Doppol - Trending books for kids

#1 in Magisterium Series

The Iron Trial

illustrations by
3.96
on Goodreads (78,339)

What’s inside...

The Iron Trial is the first book of the Magisterium series, a five-book series of fantasy novels. It revolves around the life of the protagonist, 12-year-old Callum Hunt, who tries to fail the admission tests for the Magisterium, a school of magic, but gets admitted and goes on a thrilling adventure filled with mystery and danger.
In series
Series reading
Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
295 pages
Text complexity

Discussion points

What do you think about Callum's decision to hide his abilities during the Iron Trial? How would you handle a similar situation?
How do friendships in the story, like the bond between Callum, Aaron, and Tamara, influence their journey? Have you ever experienced something similar?
The mages in the story have different magical abilities. If you could choose, what power would you want and why?
What lessons do you think Callum learns about trust and betrayal throughout the book?
How do the challenges in the trials shape the characters? Can you relate any of their experiences to challenges you face in your life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the protagonist's shoes, fostering empathy and deeper understanding of the character's decisions and feelings.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented in the book and ask your child how they might act in similar circumstances, aiding in the development of ethical reasoning.
Explore the theme of friendship and teamwork in the story, relating it to your child's experiences with friends or in school.
Highlight the growth of characters through adversity, prompting a conversation about resilience and perseverance in real-life situations.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'The Iron Trial', the protagonist, Callum, learns to collaborate with his peers to tackle various magical challenges. This cooperative effort is pivotal in overcoming obstacles within the story.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working together on group projects at school or in team sports, learning that collective effort can lead to greater achievements than working alone.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Callum faces numerous difficulties in his magical education, but he consistently shows determination and doesn't give up, eventually succeeding in spite of the odds.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persisting through personal challenges, whether they relate to academics, learning a new skill, or building relationships.
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting differences
Explanation: The story showcases a variety of characters from diverse backgrounds with different magical abilities, highlighting how these differences contribute positively to the group's dynamic.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and embrace individual differences within their classmates and community, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: The consequences of deceit
Explanation: As the plot unfolds, characters who engage in deceitful behavior face consequences that affect their relationships and positions within the magical community.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that honesty is fundamental in building trust and maintaining healthy relationships.