Doppol - Smart Book Recommendations

#1 in The Secret Keepers Series

The Secret Keepers

illustrations by
4.07
on Goodreads (7,993)

What’s inside...

The Secret Keepers is a thrilling adventure about a young boy named Reuben who discovers a peculiar, magical watch that has the power to turn its wearer invisible. He soon finds himself on a dangerous adventure to protect the watch from a malevolent force that wants to use it for evil.
In series
Age
8-12
Length
503 pages
Text complexity

Character compass

Discussion points

What would you do if you found a mysterious object like Reuben did? How would you handle the responsibilities that come with it?
Reuben faces many challenges throughout the story. Which challenge do you think was the hardest for him and why?
The story explores themes of trust and secrecy. Why is trust important in friendships and when is it okay to keep a secret?
How do the characters in the book change from the beginning to the end? Which character’s journey did you find the most interesting?
If you could create your own secret power from an everyday object, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Reuben’s shoes, which will help them connect more deeply with his decisions and dilemmas.
Discuss the moral implications of the choices Reuben makes in the book, guiding them to think about the consequences of actions.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life situations your child might encounter, such as keeping a friend’s secret or taking on a big responsibility.
Encourage your child to express what they would do differently if they were in the story, fostering critical thinking.
Use examples from the book to teach the value of resilience and resourcefulness in overcoming personal challenges.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Courage and resilience
Explanation: In 'The Secret Keepers', the protagonist shows courage when faced with dark and difficult circumstances. This is evident as they overcome fears and challenges throughout their adventure.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by standing up for themselves and others in tough situations, and persevering through challenges in school or social settings.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and trust
Explanation: The story highlights the value of forming trustworthy relationships. As characters support one another through perilous times, the strength of true friendship is showcased.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to build strong, supportive friendships and to be reliable friends in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and critical thinking
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters encounter various puzzles and obstacles that require them to think critically and devise intelligent solutions.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to approach problems thoughtfully and explore different solutions, helping them in academic and personal situations.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity and discovery
Explanation: The protagonist's journey is driven by curiosity, leading to significant discoveries and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions, explore their environments, and learn from their experiences, fostering a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: Integrity and moral judgement
Explanation: Choices between right and wrong are a central theme, as characters face moral dilemmas that test their integrity.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the importance of making ethical decisions and thinking about the consequences of their actions.