The Pearl Thief: Code Name Verity
#3 in Code Name Verity Series
on Goodreads (7,927)
What’s inside...
Before Verity…there was Julie. When fifteen-year-old Julia Beaufort-Stuart wakes up in the hospital, she knows the lazy summer break she’d imagined won’t be exactly like she anticipated. And once she returns to her grandfather’s estate, a bit banged up but alive, she begins to realize that her injury might not have been an accident. One of her family’s employees is missing, and he disappeared on the very same day she landed in the hospital. Desperate to figure out what happened, she befriends Euan McEwen, the Scottish Traveller boy who found her when she was injured, and his standoffish sister, Ellen. As Julie grows closer to this family, she experiences some of the prejudices they’ve grown used to firsthand, a stark contrast to her own upbringing, and finds herself exploring thrilling new experiences that have nothing to do with a missing-person investigation. Her memory of that day returns to her in pieces, and when a body is discovered, her new friends are caught in the crosshairs of long-held biases about Travellers. Julie must get to the bottom of the mystery in order to keep them from being framed for the crime.
Character compass
Julie Beaufort-Stuart
Ellen Mcewen
Euan Mcewen
Dr. Hugh Housman
Mary Kinnaird
Julia Beaufort-Stuart
Discussion points
How did the main character's experiences during the war challenge their views on courage and friendship?
What role does trust play in the characters’ relationships? Can you think of a situation where trust impacted your relationships?
How do the characters grow from the beginning to the end of the story? What changes would you make in their place?
The setting plays a critical role in shaping the story. How do you think the story would change if it was set in today's world?
What lessons about resilience and perseverance can be learned from the protagonist’s journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with those of the characters, exploring similarities and differences.
Discuss the historical context of the story to help your child understand the characters' decisions and challenges better.
Ask your child what they would do if they were in the protagonist’s shoes, fostering empathy and decision-making skills.
Highlight the importance of friendship and trust showcased in the book and relate them to real-life situations your child might face.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist, Julie, consistently demonstrates courage as she navigates dangerous situations during the espionage missions. Her resilience shines through while handling challenges both physically and emotionally.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and overcome challenges in their lives, whether it's trying new activities, standing up for themselves, or dealing with hardship and setbacks.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Julie's bond with her friends, especially her relationship with Ellen, shows the strength and support that friendship offers. They rely on each other for emotional support and practical help throughout their adventures.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to value their friendships, understand the importance of supporting one another, and work collaboratively to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
Explanation: Throughout the book, Julie uses her intellect and quick thinking to solve complex problems and navigate tricky situations. This skill is crucial in her role as a spy.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to use critical thinking in their day-to-day problems, be it academic challenges or interpersonal issues, fostering decision-making skills from an early age.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Julie shows deep empathy towards others, understanding their situations and feelings, which helps her in her missions and in building connections with those around her.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the importance of empathy in understanding and interacting with people. It can help children develop better relationships and foster a compassionate community.
Example Lesson: Identity and Self-discovery
Explanation: As Julie undertakes her missions, she learns more about her own strengths, weaknesses, and values, which contributes to her character development and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their own identities, recognize their unique traits, and embrace personal growth as they navigate through different stages of their lives.