The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy
on Goodreads (2,978)
What’s inside...
A fantasy about a kingdom beset by monsters, a mysterious school, and a girl caught in between them. If no one notices Marya Lupu, it is likely because of her brother, Luka. And that's because of what everyone knows: that Luka is destined to become a sorcerer. The Lupus might be from a small village far from the capital city of Illyria, but that doesn't matter. Every young boy born in the kingdom holds the potential for the rare ability to wield magic, to protect the country from the terrifying force known only as the Dread. For all the hopes the family has for Luka, no one has any for Marya, who can never seem to do anything right. But even so, no one is prepared for the day that the sorcerers finally arrive to test Luka for magical ability, and Marya makes a terrible mistake. Nor the day after, when the Lupus receive a letter from a place called Dragomir Academy—a mysterious school for wayward young girls. Girls like Marya. Soon she is a hundred miles from home, in a strange and unfamiliar place, surrounded by girls she's never met. Dragomir Academy promises Marya and her classmates a chance to make something of themselves in service to one of the country's powerful sorcerers. But as they learn how to fit into a world with no place for them, they begin to discover things about the magic the men of their country wield, as well as the Dread itself—things that threaten the precarious balance upon which Illyria is built.
Age
8-12
Length
423 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Marya Lupu
Luka Lupu
Discussion points
How do you think Marya felt when she discovered her unique abilities, and what would you do in her situation?
What does the story teach us about the importance of friendship and trust?
How do the characters in the book confront their fears and challenges, and what can we learn from them?
Why is it important to stand up for what is right, even if it's difficult?
How do the events at Dragomir Academy change the characters, and what changes do you notice most?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters' decisions and actions, fostering a deeper understanding of the narrative.
Discuss the importance of personal integrity and courage, using Marya's experiences as a reference to relate to real-life scenarios your child might face.
Highlight the transformative power of friendship and teamwork illustrated in the book to help your child appreciate these values in their own life.
Use examples from the book to have a conversation about overcoming obstacles and how everyone, even in small ways, can make a difference.
Ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios within the story, enhancing creativity and critical thinking about the characters' choices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empowerment and self-worth
Explanation: The protagonist, Marya, learns to recognize her own value and stand up for herself in a world that underestimates her.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to believe in their own abilities and assert themselves in situations where they may feel overlooked or undervalued.
Example Lesson: Importance of questioning and critical thinking
Explanation: Throughout the book, Marya and her peers learn to question the status quo and think critically about the rules and roles imposed upon them.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to question norms and think independently, fostering a sense of curiosity and a willingness to challenge unjust systems.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork and friendship
Explanation: The characters in the story come together, leveraging their individual strengths to solve problems, demonstrating the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working cooperatively with their peers, appreciating diverse perspectives, and building stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: Marya and her friends often venture into the unknown and take risks to uncover the truth and protect their friends.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to embrace challenges and uncertainties, fostering resilience and a proactive attitude toward overcoming obstacles.