The Initiation
#1 in The secret circle Series
What’s inside...
Cassie is reluctant to move to New Salem to live with her grandmother. However, she soon learns that her destiny is unavoidable as she is initiated into the Secret Circle, a coven of young witches that has governed the town for centuries. Despite her deep feelings for the coven leader's boyfriend, Cassie finds herself caught in a dangerous tug of dark powers that threaten everything she cherishes.
Character compass
Cassie Blake
Diana Meade
Suzan Whittier
Deborah Armstrong
Laurel Quincey
Melanie Glaser
Nick Armstrong
Adam Conant
Faye Chamberlain
Chris Henderson
Doug Henderson
Susan Whitler
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt during their initiation? Can you relate to their emotions?
What do you think the main message of the story is, and why is it important?
How would you have handled the challenges faced by the protagonist?
What did you learn about friendship and bravery from this book?
If you could give the main character a piece of advice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate the challenges faced by the protagonist to real-life situations your child may encounter, making the conversation relevant and insightful.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s events, fostering emotional intelligence and empathy.
Ask your child to think about what they might have done differently if they were in the protagonist's shoes, which promotes critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Highlight the actions of various characters and their consequences to teach lessons about cause and effect.
Use praise and encouragement to make the discussion enjoyable and affirm your child’s thoughts and opinions, boosting their confidence in expressing themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage
Explanation: The protagonist in 'The Initiation' faces various challenges that require bravery and determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing fears directly can lead to growth and positive outcomes, encouraging them to tackle their own challenges courageously.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout 'The Initiation', characters develop strong bonds and support each other, demonstrating the power of friendship.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building and maintaining relationships, and being a supportive friend in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Consequences of choices
Explanation: Decisions made by the characters in 'The Initiation' lead to various consequences, highlighting the impact of one's choices.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think about the potential outcomes of their decisions and understand the responsibility that comes with making choices.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book often face difficult situations but persist through them, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of perseverance for children, teaching them to keep going, even when things are tough.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The interactions among diverse characters in 'The Initiation' show the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be empathetic and considerate, improving their social interactions and emotional intelligence.