The Thirteenth Child
on Goodreads (10,351)
What’s inside...
The Thirteenth Child follows the story of Hazel Trépas, a young protagonist who discovers she is the thirteenth child in her family. With this revelation comes a dark curse and a mysterious destiny. Living in the heart of the Gravia Forest, Hazel has always known she was different from her siblings. Promised to a god, she spends her childhood waiting for her godfather, Merrick, the Dreaded End, to arrive. When he finally appears, he reveals Hazel's future as a great healer, known for her precision and skill throughout the kingdom. Merrick blesses Hazel with a gift to aid her endeavors, but she soon learns that all gifts come with a price. As Hazel navigates a world filled with magic and danger, she must learn about her true heritage, unravel the secrets of her family's past, confront the challenges of her newfound identity, and deal with the consequences of her godfather's gift.
Age
15-18
Length
512 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think is the significance of the number thirteen in the story?
How do the characters' choices affect their journeys in the book?
What qualities do the main characters have that helped them overcome their challenges?
If you were in the story, how would you react to the mysterious events?
What lessons can we learn from the characters' experiences about bravery and fear?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the theme of overcoming fears to their own experiences.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings for the story based on different choices characters might make.
Discuss the historical and cultural elements presented in the book, and explore how they compare to today's world.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite scene and explain why it stood out to them.
Use the book’s mystical elements to spark a conversation about folklore and myths.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: In 'The Thirteenth Child', the protagonist faces numerous challenges and fears but chooses to confront them bravely.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges, whether at school or in social situations, with courage.
Example Lesson: The importance of family and bonds
Explanation: The story highlights the strength of family ties and the support family members provide to one another during difficult times.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value and rely on their family for support, fostering strong family relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The characters in the book often encounter setbacks, yet they continue to persevere and never give up.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence and resilience in their daily endeavors, such as completing school projects or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: Characters in the book show understanding and compassion to others' feelings and situations, which is central to the development of the story.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more empathetic and considerate towards their peers and family members.
Example Lesson: Making ethical decisions
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters are faced with tough choices and must consider what is right and wrong.
Real-World Application: It helps children understand the complexity of ethical decision-making and encourages them to think critically about their own choices.