The Jules Verne Prophecy
on Goodreads (238)
What’s inside...
When a mysterious book by the legendary writer Jules Verne falls into the hands of three unlikely friends, it sets off a treasure hunt like no other—get ready for a modern-day reimagining of The Goonies! Owen Godfrey is spending his summer in Paris studying science fiction writer Jules Verne, the brilliant mind behind Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World in Eighty Days. When Owen and his new friends find what appears to be a dusty copy of Verne’s collected works in an old bookshop, they’re intrigued by the hidden codes written inside. As one clue leads to another, the trio gets swept up in an epic treasure hunt spanning the city—from the depths of the catacombs to the top of the Eiffel Tower, and by way of skateboard, boat, car, and even a hot air balloon! But they quickly realize they’re not the only ones searching for the hidden riches, and that there are others who will stop at nothing to get to them first. This fast-paced larger-than-life adventure is filled with action, high stakes, and three friends who are dead set on cracking the Jules Verne mystery; An Edgar Award Finalist for Best Juvenile Mystery, A Bank Street College Best Book of the Year.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they faced challenges in the story?
What would you do if you were in the character's place?
What lessons can we learn from the characters' adventures?
How do the settings in the story affect the characters' actions?
Can you think of a time when you had to solve a problem like the characters did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the character's shoes, fostering empathy and understanding.
Use examples from the book to discuss real-life situations and decisions, connecting the narrative to your child's world.
Highlight the problem-solving and teamwork displayed by the characters to inspire similar behaviors in your child.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next in the story to develop their analytical and critical thinking skills.
Discuss the book's themes and how they relate to personal values and morals, helping your child integrate these lessons into their daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, characters face numerous challenges but their determination and persistence lead them to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of sticking with a task or problem, even when it becomes difficult, encouraging them to not give up easily in their own endeavors.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Characters in the story often work together to solve complex problems, emphasizing the power of cooperative effort.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of working with others to achieve common goals, a skill that is vital in both academic and social settings.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The protagonists' adventures are driven by their curiosity about the world, leading them to learn and discover new things.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive and pursue knowledge actively, inspiring them to explore the world around them and ask questions.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision making
Explanation: Throughout their journey, characters are faced with moral dilemmas and make choices that reflect their values.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of considering the consequences of their actions and making decisions based on what is right and fair.