The Sentinels
#3 of 5 in The Guardians Series
on Goodreads (42)
What’s inside...
Lou moves to a new house and initially worries about making friends. However, she soon becomes intrigued by a dark field and mysterious oaks across the road. Along with her sister Kerry and friend Tim, they explore the area, only to encounter dangers hidden in the tall grass. As they uncover the true nature of the trees, they face bullies, young love, and a traumatic event that alters their lives forever.
Discussion points
What do you think the Sentinels represent in the story and why are they important?
How did the characters in the book change from the beginning to the end, and what caused those changes?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a difficult decision like the characters in the book? What did you do?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of the story? Do you think these lessons are important in real life?
If you could be friends with any character from the book, who would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Allow your child to express their thoughts and ideas about the book without interruption, showing that their opinions are valued.
Relate the themes or conflicts in the book to real-life situations that your child might encounter, enhancing their empathy and understanding.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or continuations of the story to foster creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the actions and motivations of different characters to help your child develop analytical skills and a deeper understanding of human behavior.
Use the book as an opportunity to instill a lifelong love for reading by creating a warm and engaging storytelling environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The Sentinels showcases characters who must work together to overcome challenges, emphasizing the importance of each member's contributions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to value each team member's role and working cooperatively towards a common goal.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Characters in the book are tasked with important duties, teaching readers about the significance of being dependable and making thoughtful decisions.
Real-World Application: This lesson translates to a child's everyday life by encouraging them to take responsibility for their actions, such as completing homework on time or taking care of a pet.