The Story of Owen: Dragon Slayer of Trondheim
#1 of 5 in The Story of Owen Series
on Goodreads (2,961)
What’s inside...
In a modern day North America where dragons feed off carbon emissions, sixteen-year-old Owen Thorskard is destined by birth to be a dragon slayer. With his classmate Siobhan as his bard, they work together to protect their town in Ontario, Canada, from dragons while also managing school and personal lives. They face many challenges as they strive to uphold Owen's family legacy of dragon slaying in a world where dragons are drawn to fossil fuels and human settlements.
Character compass
Owen Thorskard
Siobhan Mcquaid
Hannah
Lottie Thorskard
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make Owen a good dragon slayer? How can you apply these qualities in your own life?
How does the setting of Trondheim contribute to the story? Can you imagine how different the story would be if it was set somewhere else?
Why do you think teamwork is emphasized in the book? Can you share an example from your life where teamwork helped you?
How do the dragons in the book differ from other dragons you've read about in different stories?
What do you think is the most important message of the book? How does it make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the characters’ actions and the outcomes. Ask them what they would have done differently and why.
Use the setting of the story to ignite your child's imagination. Ask them to draw or describe how they envision Trondheim and its surroundings.
Discuss the importance of teamwork highlighted in the book. Relate it to family activities or school projects where cooperation is key.
Explore the theme of bravery with your child. Discuss different forms of bravery displayed in the book and ask them about times they had to be brave.
End conversations with a focus on personal reflection to help your child connect with the story on a deeper level.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The protagonist, Owen, works alongside his bard, Siobhan, to tackle challenges, demonstrating the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, helpful in school projects and sports.
Example Lesson: Courage and Responsibility
Explanation: Owen takes on the responsibility of protecting his town from dragons, showing bravery in facing fears.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to face their fears and take responsibility, be it in standing up for a friend or taking care of a pet.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: Siobhan uses her musical talents creatively to aid Owen, highlighting innovative problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to think creatively in their solutions, whether in homework tasks or in resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Understanding History and Culture
Explanation: The setting and background of the story enrich the reader's understanding of history and different cultures.
Real-World Application: Promotes appreciation and respect for diverse cultures and history in their community and beyond.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The interaction with dragons symbolizes larger environmental challenges, teaching about ecological impacts.
Real-World Application: Instills the importance of caring for the environment, encouraging participation in activities like recycling and conservation efforts.