The Thirteenth Princess
Fairy Tale Princesses Series
on Goodreads (6,360)
What’s inside...
My name is Zita, and I am the thirteenth princess. My twelve sisters are legendary, even in faraway kingdoms, but I am sure that you have never heard of me. Zita is not just any servant--she's the thirteenth daughter of a king who wanted only sons. When all her royal sisters fall mysteriously ill, the only clue is their strangely worn and tattered shoes. Something sinister is afoot--and Zita must find the source of the enchantment and break the curse, or the twelve princesses will surely dance to their deaths.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Zita
Breckin
Cook
King
Milek
Babette
Discussion points
How did Zita's relationship with her sisters change throughout the story and what do you think caused these changes?
What qualities do you admire in Zita and why?
In what ways did the characters show courage and teamwork?
How do you think the story would change if you were one of the princesses or servants?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and family from 'The Thirteenth Princess'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to those of Zita and her sisters, fostering a deeper connection with the characters.
Discuss the importance of bravery and kindness, using specific examples from the book to highlight these traits.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or adventures for the characters, encouraging creative thinking.
Create an environment that celebrates reading together, perhaps by setting aside a special time each day to discuss a chapter or exciting plot turn.
Validate your child’s feelings and perspectives as they relate to the book’s themes, promoting emotional intelligence and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist faces numerous challenges but continually strives to overcome them, demonstrating determination and grit.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by not giving up easily when faced with difficulties in school or in learning new skills.
Example Lesson: The value of kindness and compassion
Explanation: The characters in the story often display acts of kindness, even in tough situations, showing the impact of empathy towards others.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to help their friends or family members in need and understand the importance of treating others with respect and compassion.
Example Lesson: The strength of teamwork
Explanation: The Thirteenth Princess shows how working together can solve problems that seem unsolvable alone, illustrating the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to participate in group activities and learn to cooperate with others to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: The significance of family bonds
Explanation: Family relationships are central to the story, highlighting how family support and love are crucial during challenging times.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and nurture their relationships with family members, understanding the support system they provide.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for what is right
Explanation: Characters in the book often face moral dilemmas and choose to do the right thing, despite the potential consequences, teaching moral integrity.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of integrity and encourages them to make ethical decisions even when it's difficult.