The River of Wind
#13 of 16 in The Guardians of Ga'Hoole Series
on Goodreads (6,155)
What’s inside...
The River of Wind is the thirteenth book in the Guardians of Ga'Hoole series. The story follows the adventures of a group of young owls who embark on a dangerous journey to find the mythical River of Wind. Along the way, they encounter numerous challenges and discover the true meaning of bravery and friendship. Coryn, Soren, and the Chaw of Chaws ride a river of wind to discover a realm of endless wonders where dwells a society of mysterious owls, the like of which has never before been seen. Meanwhile, journeying in the known kingdoms, Primrose and Eglantine stumble upon a plot by Nyra to kill the young king and his companions in a distant snowy land. Too late to get help from the tree, the young Guardians must find the strange new realm on their own to warn Coryn and the others. Even if they make it in time, will a handful of Guardians and peace-loving monks be a match for Pure Ones bent on murder?
Discussion points
How do you think the owls felt during their journey in 'The River of Wind'? What made you feel that way?
What lessons can we learn about bravery and friendship from the characters’ adventures?
If you were one of the owls in the story, what would you have done differently on the journey?
How does the author, Kathryn Lasky, use the setting of the story to enhance the plot?
What similarities and differences do you see between the world of the owls and our world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes and ask your child to do the same, fostering an open exchange of ideas.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios within the story, enhancing their creative and critical thinking.
Draw parallels between the book's themes and real-life situations your child might encounter to help them relate to the characters' experiences.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking and engagement with the book’s content.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'The River of Wind', the protagonists face numerous challenges and dangers that test their courage and determination. Despite the obstacles, they persist in their quest.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and not giving up when faced with difficulties, be it in school or social settings.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book often rely on each other's strengths and work together to overcome challenges, showcasing the power of collaborative effort.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to appreciate and foster teamwork in group projects or sports, understanding that collective efforts can lead to greater success.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The story's setting in fantastical natural environments emphasizes the beauty and importance of the natural world, urging a respectful and caring attitude towards it.
Real-World Application: It inspires children to be environmentally conscious, promoting actions like recycling, conserving water, or learning more about wildlife and habitats.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for what is right
Explanation: Characters in the book often face moral dilemmas and make choices that reflect integrity and bravery, choosing what is right over what is easy.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to act with honesty and bravery when confronted with ethical choices, be it standing up against bullying or being truthful.
Example Lesson: Importance of knowledge and learning
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the owls seek knowledge and wisdom from different sources which aids them in their mission, highlighting the power of education.
Real-World Application: This underscores the benefits of education and continuous learning for children, encouraging them to be curious and proactive in their educational pursuits.