The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams
on Goodreads (2,393)
What’s inside...
A new all-ages adventure tale from Printz Medal Winner, Daniel Nayeri. This is the story of an exciting journey along the Silk Road with a young Monk and his newfound guardian, Samir, a larger than life character known as the 'Seller of Dreams'. Samir is a skilled scammer whose primary talent is talking his way into getting what he wants. Although his talking saved Monk's life, it has also upset many people, leading them to hire assassins to kill Samir. In an attempt to repay his debt, Monk decides to try and save Samir from these assassination attempts. If he can manage to save Samir six times, he will be free. However, it is uncertain if they will survive that long.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the different characters to interact with Samir in the ways that they did?
How did Samir's dreams impact the people he met and their community?
If you could buy a dream from Samir, what dream would you choose and why?
What emotions did you feel while reading about the various attempts on Samir's life?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in our hometown?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to explore the depth of the characters' motivations and actions, fostering critical thinking. Discuss the moral implications of selling and buying dreams, promoting ethical reasoning. Use examples from the book to connect with real-life scenarios, enhancing comprehension and empathy. Lastly, remember to listen actively to your child’s thoughts and feelings about the story, supporting open communication and connection.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Samir, despite facing numerous challenges and even attempts on his life, continues to pursue his passion for selling dreams and inspiring others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of perseverance and continuing to chase their goals, no matter the obstacles they face.
Example Lesson: The power of compassion
Explanation: Throughout the book, Samir shows kindness to even those who do not wish him well, which ultimately changes their hearts.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the impact of empathy and kindness towards others, encouraging them to act similarly in their own interactions.
Example Lesson: The importance of dreaming big
Explanation: Samir's career as a dream seller underscores the theme of holding onto one’s dreams and aspirations.
Real-World Application: It inspires children to dream big and hold onto their aspirations, fostering a sense of ambition and hope.
Example Lesson: Value of integrity
Explanation: Samir remains true to his moral compass despite various temptations and threats, maintaining his ethical standards.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of staying true to themselves and maintaining their values, even when faced with difficult choices.
Example Lesson: The impact of storytelling
Explanation: Samir’s dreams are shared through his powerful storytelling, which captivates and influences everyone he meets.
Real-World Application: This lesson shows children the profound effect of sharing stories and how it can inspire and connect people.