The Keepers: The Box and the Dragonfly
#1 of 3 in The Keepers Series
What’s inside...
Artifacts. Miseries. Mysteries. Horace F. Andrews discovers a hidden warehouse called the House of Answers when he sees a sign with his own name from a bus. Inside, he finds many mysterious objects and is entrusted with a rare and powerful gift. As he masters his newfound abilities, Horace realizes nothing is ordinary anymore. He encounters Chloe, a girl with an astonishing talent, and together they navigate a centuries-old conflict between two mysterious factions. Their journey leads them to the Box of Promises and a future Horace never anticipated. Ted Sanders combines science fiction and fantasy to create a world where everything is more than it seems, and friendship and loyalty are paramount.
Character compass
Horace F. Andrews
Chloe
Discussion points
What do you think makes the box in the story special, and why do you think only certain people can open it?
How did the characters' decisions impact their journey in the story?
If you had an object that gave you unique powers, what would it be and what would you do with it?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
What would you do if you were in the protagonist's place when faced with challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine they are part of the story, asking what role they would play and why.
Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the characters to help your child develop their own sense of right and wrong.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next after a few chapters, stimulating their analytical thinking.
Relate the story's conflicts to real-life scenarios your child may face, helping them connect literature to their own experiences.
Celebrate creative answers your child gives, even if they differ from the plot, to foster their creativity and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of responsibility
Explanation: In 'The Keepers: The Box and the Dragonfly', the protagonist, Horace, learns to handle the responsibility of safeguarding powerful magical artifacts.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by taking responsibility for their own belongings and tasks, understanding the importance of caring for their things and fulfilling duties.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Horace shows bravery as he navigates a world filled with dangerous challenges and enigmatic characters.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears and challenges bravely, whether at school, in sports, or in social situations.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Horace builds friendships that are crucial to his journey, teaching the significance of trust and support among friends.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of building and maintaining friendships, understanding how cooperation and mutual respect can help overcome various challenges.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity and learning
Explanation: Horace’s quest is driven by his curiosity about the magical world around him, emphasizing the importance of learning and discovery.
Real-World Application: This highlights for children the importance of staying curious and eager to learn, which can lead to personal growth and understanding of the world.
Example Lesson: The effects of choices and consequences
Explanation: The narrative shows how Horace's decisions have impacts, teaching that choices carry weight and lead to consequences.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that their decisions are important and encourage them to think about potential outcomes before acting.