The Last Fallen Star
#1 of 4 in Gifted Clans Series
on Goodreads (4,059)
What’s inside...
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents Graci Kim's debut novel about an adopted Korean-American girl, Riley Oh, who discovers her heritage and her magic on a perilous journey to save her witch clan family. Riley, a non-magical saram, feels like an outsider in her family of healing witches. Her sister, Hattie, suggests a spell that could allow Riley to share her magic, but when the spell goes wrong, it endangers Hattie's life. To save her sister, Riley must embark on a quest to find the last fallen star, encountering fantastic creatures and uncovering secrets that challenge her beliefs about witchcraft, family, and belonging.
Character compass
Riley Oh
Hattie Oh
Emmett
Discussion points
What did you think about Riley’s journey to find her identity and how she fits into her magical family?
How do the themes of friendship and trust play out in the story?
In what ways do the characters in the book show courage and perseverance?
What did you learn about Korean mythology from the story?
How would you handle a situation where you felt different from everyone else, like Riley did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Initiate the conversation by sharing your own interpretation of a key event in the book and encourage your child to express their viewpoint.
Ask your child how they relate to Riley and her experiences, creating a bridge between their world and the narrative.
Highlight the moral lessons from the book, relating them to real-life scenarios your child might face.
Explore together more about Korean culture and mythology, enriching the context of the story for both of you.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family and belonging
Explanation: In 'The Last Fallen Star', the protagonist Riley searches for a sense of belonging within her adoptive witch family. Her journey highlights the themes of acceptance and love found in familial bonds, regardless of biological ties.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and cherish the diverse forms of family structures they encounter, understanding that love and acceptance are what truly define a family.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Riley faces numerous challenges and setbacks in her quest to find her place in the magical community. Her determination and perseverance in overcoming these obstacles are central to the story.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to stay persistent and resilient when facing their own difficulties, teaching them the value of perseverance in achieving their goals.
Example Lesson: Understanding and valuing diversity
Explanation: The magical world in 'The Last Fallen Star' is inhabited by a variety of creatures and characters from different backgrounds. This diversity enriches the narrative and helps Riley learn valuable lessons about acceptance and unity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and celebrate the differences among people in their own communities, promoting a more inclusive attitude towards others.
Example Lesson: The power of honesty and truth
Explanation: Throughout the book, Riley learns the importance of being honest, both with herself and others. This virtue helps her navigate her magical adventures and build stronger relationships.
Real-World Application: By understanding the importance of honesty portrayed in the story, children can apply this virtue in their everyday interactions, fostering trust and transparency in relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront the unknown
Explanation: Riley often steps into the unknown, facing fears and exploring new aspects of her world. Her courage is a pivotal part of her character development.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to face their own fears and try new things, teaching them the importance of courage in personal growth and exploration.