#3 in The 39 Clues Series
The Sword Thief
on Goodreads (51,084)
What’s inside...
The Sword Thief is the third book in the 39 Clues series. The story follows Amy and Dan Cahill, two young siblings who are part of the world's most powerful family. In this installment, they travel to Japan and Korea to find the next clue in the family's secret treasure hunt. Along the way, they encounter dangerous rivals, forge unlikely alliances, and learn more about their family's mysterious past.
Character compass
Discussion points
What would you do if you were in Amy and Dan's situation, trying to decipher clues and face challenges? How would you feel?
Why do you think teamwork is important in the story? Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to solve a problem?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book? What causes these changes?
What is the significance of trust in this story? How do the characters decide whom to trust?
If you could have a conversation with any character in the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, emphasizing that there are no right or wrong answers.
Connect the themes of the book to your child’s experiences, asking them to relate situations in the book with real-life incidents.
Focus on the process of critical thinking and problem solving presented in the book, discussing the steps the characters take to solve mysteries.
Discuss the ethical dilemmas characters face to help your child understand different perspectives and the complexity of decisions.
Praise your child’s responses and insights, encouraging them to delve deeper into the story’s themes and characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Sword Thief,' characters must collaborate to solve puzzles and navigate dangers, demonstrating that teamwork leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cooperate with others in group activities and understand the value of diverse skills in achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonists face numerous setbacks, yet their determination to continue their quest teaches resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist through difficulties in their own tasks or learning processes, fostering a spirit of resilience.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking skills
Explanation: The characters often encounter puzzles and challenges that require logical and critical thinking to advance in their journey.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to apply problem-solving skills in school projects or in overcoming personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness
Explanation: As the story takes characters through different parts of the world, it subtly educates about diverse cultures.
Real-World Application: This can be reflected in a child's curiosity and respect for different cultures, promoting inclusivity in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Consequences of decisions
Explanation: The book highlights how the choices made by characters lead to various outcomes, stressing the idea of accountability.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider the potential effects of their decisions in real life, teaching them to think before acting.