Doppol - Trending books for kids

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What’s inside...

From the author of the global phenomenon Ranger's Apprentice! They are outcasts. Hal, Stig, and the others - they are the boys the others want no part of. Skandians, as any reader of Ranger's Apprentice could tell you, are known for their size and strength. Not these boys. Yet that doesn't mean they don't have skills. And courage - which they will need every ounce of to do battle at sea against the other bands, the Wolves and the Sharks, in the ultimate race. The icy waters make for a treacherous playing field . . . especially when not everyone thinks of it as playing. John Flanagan, author of the international phenomenon Ranger's Apprentice, creates a new cast of characters to populate his world of Skandians and Araluens, a world millions of young readers around the world have come to know and admire. Full of seafaring adventures and epic battles, Book 1 of The Brotherband Chronicles is sure to thrill readers of Ranger's Apprentice while enticing a whole new generation just now discovering the books. Perfect for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, T.H. White’s The Sword in the Stone, Christopher Paolini’s Eragon series, and George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones/A Song of Ice and Fire series.
In series
Series reading
Sequential
Age
10-13
Length
434 pages
Text complexity

Discussion points

What challenges do the characters face and how do they work together to overcome them?
How do the characters grow and change throughout the story? Which character's journey resonated most with you?
The Outcasts deals with themes of friendship, bravery, and resilience. Can you relate any of these themes to your own life experiences?
How does the setting of the story influence the events and the characters' actions?
What lessons can we learn about leadership and teamwork from the characters' adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage children to think about how the characters' emotions and decisions relate to their own lives by asking them to share personal experiences similar to those depicted in the book.
Highlight the growth of characters throughout the book and ask children about times they had to adapt or change to succeed in something.
Discuss the importance of teamwork as showcased in the book, and relate it to family activities or school projects, emphasizing how everyone's role is important.
For younger children, simplify questions and relate them to friendships and school experiences to help them understand the themes better.
After finishing the book, ask your child to draw their favorite scene and explain why they chose it; this encourages both artistic expression and critical thinking.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Outcasts', the characters must work together to overcome challenges and achieve common goals, demonstrating the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each member's contribution.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters face numerous setbacks but continue to strive towards their objectives, illustrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of persisting in face of difficulties, whether it be in completing homework, learning a new skill, or resolving conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for what is right
Explanation: The protagonists often stand up against injustices in their world, showing moral courage.
Real-World Application: Children can mirror this behavior by standing up against bullying or unfair treatment in their own environments, promoting a culture of fairness and respect.
Example Lesson: The significance of personal growth
Explanation: Characters in the story undergo significant personal development as they face life's trials, highlighting the importance of self-improvement.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace learning and personal development opportunities, helping them grow into well-rounded individuals.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: The characters in 'The Outcasts' often learn from their errors and misjudgments, which guides future decisions and actions.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the importance of reflective thinking for children, urging them to learn from their own mistakes and continually improve themselves.