The Keeper: Vega Jane
#2 of 4 in Vega Jane Series
on Goodreads (9,246)
What’s inside...
Vega Jane was always told no one could leave the town of Wormwood. She was told there was nothing outside but the Quag, a wilderness filled with danger and death. And she believed it - until the night she stumbled across a secret that proved that everything she knew was a lie. Now just one thing stands between Vega Jane and freedom - the Quag. In order to leave Wormwood and discover the truth about her world, Vega and her best friend Delph must find a way to make it across a terrifying land of bloodthirsty creatures and sinister magic. But the Quag is worse than Vega Jane's darkest imagining. It's a living, breathing prison designed to keep enemies out and the villagers of Wormwood in. The Quag will throw everything at Vega Jane. It will try to break her. It will try to kill her. And survival might come at a price not even Vega Jane is willing to pay. Master storyteller David Baldacci unleashes a hurricane of action and adrenaline that takes readers to the breaking point.
Character compass
Vega Jane
Delph
Morrigone
Discussion points
What qualities do you admire in Vega Jane and why?
How did Vega handle challenges and what can we learn from her approach?
What role do friendships play in Vega's journey?
Can you identify any moments in the book where Vega had to make tough choices? What would you have done in her situation?
How does the world of Wormwood differ from our world? What similarities do they share?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences to Vega's adventures, fostering a deeper understanding of the character's decisions and growth.
Discuss the importance of courage and perseverance, as demonstrated by Vega, and relate these traits to real-life scenarios your child might face.
Use Vega's interactions with other characters to talk about the value of friendships and trust.
Highlight moments in the story where Vega shows growth or learning, asking your child how they have grown or learned from their own experiences.
Talk about the fantastical elements of Wormwood and encourage your child's imagination by asking how they would envision a world like that.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Perseverance
Explanation: Vega Jane, the protagonist, demonstrates courage and perseverance as she challenges the limitations of her world and embarks on dangerous adventures to discover the truth.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges with bravery and to persevere when they encounter difficulties, encouraging them to overcome obstacles and pursue their goals.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Loyalty
Explanation: Throughout Vega Jane's journey, the theme of friendship is highlighted as she builds strong bonds with allies who support her quest, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and trust.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of forming meaningful relationships and being a dependable friend in times of need.
Example Lesson: Questioning and Critical Thinking
Explanation: The book encourages questioning the status quo and using critical thinking to discern the truth, as Vega Jane seeks answers about her mysterious surroundings.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of curiosity, inquiry, and not accepting things at face value, which is essential for intellectual development and problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Self-Discovery and Identity
Explanation: As the story unfolds, Vega Jane embarks on a journey of self-discovery, finding her strengths and confronting her past, which shapes her understanding of her identity.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore their own identities, recognize their unique strengths, and embrace their personal journeys.