Doppol - Trending books for kids

4.12
on Goodreads (85,206)

What’s inside...

Book Three in the New York Times bestselling series. Nicholas Flamel's heart almost broke as he watched his beloved Paris crumble before him. The city was destroyed by Dee and Machiavelli, but Flamel played his own role in the destruction. Sophie and Josh Newman show every sign of being the twins of prophecy, and Flamel had to protect them and the pages from the Dark Elders. But Nicholas grows weaker with each passing day. Perenelle is still trapped in Alcatraz, and now that Scatty has gone missing, the group is without protection. Except for Clarent—the twin sword to Excalibur. But Clarent’s power is unthinkable, its evil making it nearly impossible to use without its darkness seeping into the soul of whoever wields it. If he hopes to defeat Dee, Nicholas must find an Elder who can teach Josh and Sophie the third elemental magic—Water Magic. The problem? The only one who can do that is Gilgamesh, and he is quite, quite insane. From the Hardcover edition.
In series
Series reading
Sequential
Age
9-13
Length
512 pages
Text complexity

Discussion points

How do you think Sophie and Josh felt when they discovered their powers? Can you relate to feeling different or discovering something new about yourself?
What do you think about the concept of the 'Elders' and their roles? If you were an Elder, what kind of powers would you like to have?
Dr. John Dee is portrayed as the antagonist in the book. What characteristics make him the villain? Do you think people are only good or bad?
The Flamels trusted Sophie and Josh with a big secret and a big responsibility. How important do you think trust is in friendships and family?
If you had a chance to visit one of the locations in the book, which one would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with those of Sophie and Josh, especially focusing on growth and responsibility. This can help contextualize the characters’ journey in real-life terms.
Discuss the moral and ethical questions that arise in the story. For example, talk about the consequences of the characters’ actions and the decisions they make. This encourages critical thinking.
Draw parallels between historical figures mentioned in the book and those in the real world. This can be an informative exercise that enriches the reading experience.
Cultivate empathy by asking your child how they would feel in the characters' situations, which can help them connect more deeply with the story.
Use the magical and mythical elements of the book to spark creativity. Ask your child what kind of magical power they would like to have, and what they would do with it.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'The Sorceress,' characters must work together to overcome challenges, showcasing how teamwork can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or engaging in sports, learning that cooperation can achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist and allies face numerous obstacles but persistently strive forward, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to not give up easily when facing difficulties in their studies or personal life, and to keep trying despite setbacks.
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of one's actions
Explanation: Choices made by characters in 'The Sorceress' have significant impacts on the storyline, illustrating the weight of decision-making.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to think before they act, understanding that their choices can affect not only themselves but also those around them.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity and different cultures
Explanation: The book features a rich tapestry of characters from various cultural backgrounds, promoting multicultural understanding and respect.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace and respect diverse cultures and histories, which can enhance social inclusion and empathy in their real-world interactions.