The Hive Queen
#12 of 15 in The Wings of Fire Series
on Goodreads (16,482)
What’s inside...
The Hive Queen is the twelfth book in the Wings of Fire series by Tui T. Sutherland. The story follows Cricket, a dragonet who questions the world around her, as she uncovers dark secrets about Queen Wasp's rule and challenges the queen's control over her tribe. Growing up in the hives, Cricket has always had a million questions. Why are trees forbidden, even in art? Why do her parents seem to hate her? And the biggest, most dangerous and secret question of all: why is Cricket immune to Queen Wasp's powers? Whenever the queen takes control of all the HiveWings, speaking through their mouths and seeing through their eyes, Cricket has to hide, terrified of being discovered. Now she's hiding again, wanted for stealing the Book of Clearsight along with her new SilkWing friends, Blue and Swordtail, and the fierce LeafWing, Sundew. The fugitives need answers, and fast, in order to prevent a LeafWing attack. But Cricket has more questions than ever. How can she stay hidden and discover the queen's deadliest secret? And if she does succeed — can a powerless dragonet really do anything to topple a regime and stop a war?
Character compass
Cricket
Bumblebee
Sundew
Swordtail
Blue
Queen Wasp
Discussion points
How do you think Cricket felt when she discovered the truth about the Hive? What would you do in her situation?
What does the idea of 'home' mean to you, similar or different from how the dragons feel in the book?
Why do you think teamwork and trust are important in Cricket's journey?
What can we learn from the different dragon tribes and their unique abilities?
How do the decisions made by the queen affect the other dragons? What qualities do you think a good leader should have?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Cricket's shoes, fostering empathy and understanding.
Discuss the concept of 'home' and belonging, tying it back to the child's own life and experiences.
Highlight the importance of teamwork and trust, using examples from the book and relating them to everyday situations your child might face.
Explore the idea of diversity and strengths by discussing the unique traits of each dragon tribe in the book.
Talk about leadership and decision-making, asking your child what they would do differently if they were in a leadership position like the queen.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Hive Queen', different dragon tribes must collaborate to overcome shared challenges, showcasing teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to work cooperatively in group settings such as school projects or sports, understanding that combined efforts often lead to greater success.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The protagonist, Cricket, strives to understand the perspectives of other dragons, which teaches empathy.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider the feelings and viewpoints of others in their interactions, promoting social harmony and deeper connections.
Example Lesson: Importance of Identity
Explanation: Cricket faces challenges that make her question her place in the world, emphasizing self-discovery and the importance of personal identity.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to explore their own interests and beliefs, which is vital for their personal development and self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Courage in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book often take brave actions despite fears, teaching the importance of courage.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The story clearly illustrates how the choices dragons make affect their lives and the world around them, emphasizing accountability.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their actions have consequences, teaching them to think before they act and encouraging responsible behavior.