The Hidden Knife
The Hidden Knife Series
What’s inside...
Melissa Marr invites readers into a magical world where stone gargoyles live among humans, ferocious water horses infiltrate the sea, and school hallways are riddled with magic wards--and where a group of young heroes seeking justice discovers those very creatures are the best of allies. Twenty years ago, a door opened between the world of humans and the Netherwhere, allowing all kinds of otherworldly creatures entry. Some, like the kelpies and fairies, who like to bite, are best avoided. But the gargoyles are wise and wonderful, and show a special affection for humans. Vicky has grown up under the watchful eye of a gargoyle named Rupert, and excels at sword-fighting and magic. But there's so much she doesn't know--like why her mother, once one of the queen's elite Ravens, keeps Vicky hidden away and won't let Vicky train at the elite Corvus school where girls with her gifts perfect their skills. But when a horrific tragedy occurs, Vicky knows it's finally time to use her gifts, and that the only place she should be to avenge the crime against her family is at Corvus. There she bands together with a former street thief and an alchemy student to figure out whom they can trust in a place that's rife with intrigue and secrets. And all the while, the gargoyles watch and nudge. Time's not linear to them, so they know change comes in ripples. With their steadying influence, Vicky and her friends just might be the generation to expose the court's secrets and ensure a better future for both worlds.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-13
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the main character to make the choices they did?
How would you feel if you were in a similar situation as the protagonist?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a difficult decision? What did you learn from it?
What does bravery mean to you, and how do you see it demonstrated in the story?
How do you think the story would change if it was told from another character’s perspective?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their feelings and perspectives.
Draw parallels between the story and the child's own experiences to make the themes more relatable and meaningful.
Ask open-ended questions to foster deeper thinking and understanding of the characters' motives and actions.
Use the discussion as an opportunity to teach important values, such as courage and integrity, as reflected in the story.
Encourage them to imagine alternative endings or plot twists, enhancing their creativity and engagement with the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist of 'The Hidden Knife' faces numerous challenges throughout the story, showing bravery and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of facing their own fears and challenges head-on, whether at school, in social situations, or in personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Importance of loyalty and friendship
Explanation: As the plot unfolds, the characters develop strong bonds of friendship that prove crucial in overcoming the obstacles they face.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to value and nurture their friendships, understanding the role they play in mutual support and achieving goals.
Example Lesson: The power of resilience
Explanation: Despite setbacks, the characters continue to push forward, adapting to new situations and learning from their mistakes.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to embrace resilience in their daily lives, learning that setbacks are part of growth and can lead to better outcomes if they persist.
Example Lesson: Making ethical decisions
Explanation: Throughout the journey, characters are faced with moral dilemmas requiring them to choose between right and wrong.
Real-World Application: This serves as a great conversation starter for parents and educators to discuss ethical decision-making and integrity with children.
Example Lesson: Embracing change and self-discovery
Explanation: The protagonist's journey is also one of personal growth, learning more about themselves and how they relate to the world around them.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to be open to change and introspective about their own lives, promoting personal development and self-awareness.