The Spirit Glass
#4 in Pandava Quintet Series
on Goodreads (927)
What’s inside...
Corazon, a young girl, yearns to train as a babaylan under her guardian Aunt Tina. Her goal is to awaken her magic and use it to bring her deceased parents back to life. However, her plans are disrupted when a vengeful ghost steals her soul key, which allows her to communicate with her parents' ghosts. To restore balance between the human and spirit world, Corazon must lay the ghost to rest by creating a new soul key. With the help of her gecko companion, Saso, she embarks on a quest through the spirit realms, racing against time before the ghost breaks through the spirit glass and all hope is lost. This standalone quest adventure, presented by Rick Riordan and written by Roshani Chokshi, pays tribute to Filipino mythology and showcases the magic and heart found in Chokshi's Aru Shah series.
Discussion points
What do you think about the main character's journey? How did they change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Why do you think the Spirit Glass was so important in the story? What does it represent?
How would you have reacted if you were in the main character's situation?
What are some of the challenges the characters faced and how did they overcome them?
If you could ask the author one question about the book, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences. Ask them if they've ever faced something similar to what the characters did.
Discuss the moral and values presented in the story. Ask them what they think about the decisions made by the characters and what they would have done differently.
Use the setting and magical elements in the book as a fun start to discuss creativity. Encourage them to come up with their own magical object and what powers it would have.
After reading, ask your child to summarize the book in their own words, and discuss any new words or concepts they learned from the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous challenges throughout the story but continues to strive towards their goal despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persisting through challenges, which can help them tackle schoolwork or learn new skills even when it feels difficult.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: The characters in the book rely on each other's strengths and support, showcasing the power of teamwork and trust in friends.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to build strong, supportive friendships in their own lives, understanding the importance of helping and being there for each other.
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting differences
Explanation: The story features a variety of characters from different backgrounds, encouraging acceptance and empathy.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to appreciate diversity and be open to learning from others who may look, think, or behave differently from themselves.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and learning
Explanation: The protagonist's quest for knowledge drives much of the plot, promoting a positive view of learning and discovery.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be curious about the world around them and to seek out knowledge actively.