The Last Mirror on the Left: Legendary Alston Boys
#2 of 3 in A Legendary Alston Boys Adventure Series
What’s inside...
In The Last Mirror on the Left, the second installment of the Legendary Alston Boys series by Lamar Giles, cousins Otto and Sheed embark on a perilous mission in a parallel world to capture an escaped fugitive. This world, while mirroring their own, operates under different rules. Their adventure is further complicated when they must address past grievances with Missus Nedraw, the owner of the Rorrim Mirror Emporium, who agrees to disregard their prior offenses if they help recapture the prisoner. This tale of mystery and justice blends elements of fantasy and suspense as the cousins work to right wrongs and uphold justice.
Character compass
Otto Alston
Sheed Alston
Discussion points
What do you think Otto and Sheed learned about themselves and each other by the end of their adventure?
How do the characters in the book show courage and teamwork? Can you give an example from the story?
If you had a magical mirror like the one in the story, what world would you want to see and why?
How do the characters handle making mistakes? What can we learn from them about handling difficult situations?
What role do you think the setting plays in the story? How would the story change if it occurred somewhere else?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts about the story and its characters. This openness can make your child feel comfortable expressing their opinions. Ask questions that relate to your child’s experiences, helping them connect personally with the story. Encourage creative thinking by asking what they would do differently if they were in the characters' shoes. Lastly, affirm their responses to build their confidence in interpreting stories and expressing their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The protagonists, Otto and Sheed, demonstrate the importance of working together to solve the mysteries they encounter. Their combined efforts and unique perspectives help them overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate with others, whether on school projects, sports teams, or during play, understanding that teamwork often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Accountability
Explanation: Throughout their adventure, the Alston boys are faced with choices that test their sense of responsibility. Their decisions have direct consequences, teaching them to think about the impact of their actions.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of being responsible for their decisions and actions in everyday situations like completing homework, chores, or interacting with friends.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: The book showcases how Otto and Sheed use their creativity and wit to navigate through their magical and mysterious world.
Real-World Application: Children can apply creative thinking to find unique solutions to problems they encounter in school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Justice and Fairness
Explanation: As the Alston boys strive to correct the wrongs in their town, they learn valuable lessons about justice and the need to stand up for what is right, even when it's challenging.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to uphold fairness and justice in their own lives, whether it's sharing equitably with peers or speaking up against wrongdoing.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Facing unknown elements and occasionally dangerous situations, Otto and Sheed show bravery, facing their fears head-on, which is pivotal to their character development.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to embrace challenges and face their fears, whether it's trying out for a new sport, standing up in class, or defending a peer.