The School Between Winter and Fairyland
on Goodreads (1,059)
What’s inside...
A fresh and exciting twist on magical boarding schools, the well-loved Chosen One trope, and the nature of true heroism—from the author of The Language of Ghosts and Ember and the Ice Dragons. Perfect for fans of middle grade fantasies including the Serafina series by Robert Beatty and Neil Gaiman's Coraline. Twelve-year-old Autumn Malog is a servant at the enchanting Inglenook School, where young magicians study to become the king’s future monster-hunters. Along with her Gran and three too many older brothers, she works as a beastkeeper, tending to Inglenook’s menagerie of terrifying monsters. But when she isn’t mucking out the wyvern stalls or coaxing the resident boggart to behave, Autumn searches for clues about her twin brother’s mysterious disappearance. Everyone else thinks he was devoured by the feared Hollow Dragon, but Autumn is convinced she’s heard—and glimpsed—him calling to her from within the castle walls. But who will believe a lowly servant? So when Cai Morrigan, the 'Chosen One' prophesied to one day destroy the Hollow Dragon, comes to her for help, Autumn agrees. Together, they’ll search for her brother and uncover the dark truth at the heart of enchanting Inglenook School once and for all.
Age
8-12
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about the magical elements in the story? How do they compare to the real world?
How do the characters in the book handle challenges? Can you think of a time when you faced a similar challenge?
What did you learn about friendship and bravery from the characters?
Which part of the story was your favorite, and why?
If you could add one thing to the world of Winter and Fairyland, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they expect from a book titled 'The School Between Winter and Fairyland' to gauge their initial thoughts and spark curiosity.
While reading, pause at exciting moments to discuss your child's feelings and predictions about the story's progression.
After finishing the book, relate themes or lessons from the story to your child's own life to deepen their personal connection with the narrative.
Encourage your child to draw or create something inspired by the book, fostering a deeper engagement with its themes and characters.
Ask your child to summarize the story in their own words, reinforcing comprehension and narrative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and perseverance
Explanation: In the book, the protagonist faces various challenges in a magical and unfamiliar environment, learning to navigate through them bravely.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing new challenges bravely and persisting through difficulties is essential in everyday situations such as school and friendships.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the story rely on each other's unique abilities to solve problems, demonstrating how collaboration can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of working together and valuing each person’s contribution, whether in group projects or family tasks.
Example Lesson: Embracing differences and diversity
Explanation: The book celebrates characters from various backgrounds and with different skills, showing that diversity can lead to a richer experience.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to appreciate and embrace differences in people around them, fostering a more inclusive attitude at school and in social settings.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: As the protagonist confronts and overcomes various obstacles, resilience is portrayed as a key to success.
Real-World Application: This imparts the significance of bouncing back from setbacks, encouraging children to develop resilience in challenging academic or personal situations.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity and learning
Explanation: Curiosity drives the protagonist to explore and learn more about the magical world, leading to personal growth and understanding.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive and enthusiastic learners in their educational journey and daily explorations.