The Vipers Nest
#7 of 11 in The 39 Clues Series
on Goodreads (45,722)
What’s inside...
The Vipers Nest is the seventh book in the 39 Clues series. It follows the Cahill siblings, Amy and Dan, as they travel to South Africa to discover the next clue in the family's secret treasure hunt. They encounter dangerous wildlife, treacherous landscapes, and deadly enemies. The most dangerous secret in Amy and Dan's past is unveiled in Book 7 of the #1 New York Times bestselling series. The hunt for 39 hidden Clues that lead to an unimaginable power have taken a heavy toll on fourteen-year-old Amy Cahill and her younger brother, Dan. They've just seen a woman die. They're wanted by the Indonesian police. They're trapped on an island with a man who knows too much about the death of their parents. And a tropical storm is rolling in. Just when they think it can't get any worse, it does. Because the Cahills have one more rattling skeleton for Amy and Dan to discover, the terrible truth about their family branch.
Character compass
Amy Cahill
Dan Cahill
Nellie Gomez
Alistair Oh
Natalie Kabra
Ian Kabra
Hamilton Holt
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to embark on their adventurous journey?
How do the relationships between characters change throughout the story?
What lessons do the characters learn about trust and friendship?
How would you have reacted if you were in the same situations as the characters?
What do you think is the most important message of 'The Viper's Nest'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book by asking how they relate to the characters' experiences.
Discuss the historical aspects of the story to enhance their understanding and appreciation of the setting and its significance.
Highlight the moral dilemmas faced by the characters to explore your child’s perspective on fairness and justice.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of teamwork and collaboration in overcoming challenges.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or plot twists to foster creative thinking and storytelling skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: In 'The Viper's Nest', characters must work together to solve complex puzzles and navigate dangerous situations, demonstrating the power of effective teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group projects at school or in sports teams, learning to cooperate and value each team member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonists confront various challenges and threats, showing bravery and resilience throughout their journey. Their courage inspires readers to face their own fears.
Real-World Application: Kids can embrace this lesson by tackling new challenges, whether trying out for a school play, standing up against bullying, or learning a new skill despite difficulties.
Example Lesson: The significance of historical knowledge
Explanation: The plot intertwines historical elements which help the characters progress in their quest, highlighting how understanding history can provide crucial insights and advantages.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to take an interest in history lessons and understand how past events shape our present and future, fostering a deeper appreciation and curiosity for learning.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision-making
Explanation: Characters in 'The Viper's Nest' often face moral dilemmas, choosing between easy options and right actions, illustrating the complexities of ethical decision-making.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think critically about right and wrong and can apply these skills in everyday decisions, learning to act with integrity even when faced with difficult choices.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters frequently adapt to new, unpredictable situations, using their problem-solving skills to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being flexible and innovative in problem-solving, skills that are applicable in academic settings and in overcoming personal challenges.