This Was Our Pact
on Goodreads (9,524)
What’s inside...
It's the night of the annual Autumn Equinox Festival, where the town gathers to float paper lanterns down the river, believing they turn into stars in the Milky Way. Ben and his classmates endeavor to discover the lanterns’ true destination, forming a pact with rules to follow the river without turning back. The pact is soon broken, leaving only Ben and outsider Nathaniel. The duo embarks on a magical journey, filled with wonder, friendship, and a talking bear, venturing farther than anyone before to uncover the truth.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-11
Length
330 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the bond between the characters in 'This Was Our Pact' so strong? Can you relate to any of their adventures or feelings?
How do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story? What do you think caused those changes?
The journey in 'This Was Our Pact' is filled with surprises and challenges. What was one challenge the characters faced, and how did they overcome it?
If you were part of the pact, what role do you think you would play and why?
What is one lesson you learned from 'This Was Our Pact' that you can apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, validating their opinions to build confidence.
Draw parallels between the story and your child’s experiences, making the themes more relevant and personal.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking and connection to the characters’ journeys and decisions.
Organize a 'pact' activity where family members commit to a small adventure or project, mirroring the theme of teamwork and camaraderie found in the book.
After discussing the book, encourage creative expression, such as drawing scenes or writing a short sequel, to deepen the engagement and understanding of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'This Was Our Pact', the characters embark on an adventure that requires them to work together to overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.
Example Lesson: Persistence in facing obstacles
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the characters encounter various obstacles but persistently push forward, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance in overcoming difficulties, encouraging them to stay determined despite setbacks.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The story champions the spirit of adventure and discovery as the characters explore unknown territories.
Real-World Application: It inspires children to be inquisitive about the world around them and to embrace learning through exploration.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The narrative underscores a deep respect for the natural world as the characters navigate through their environment.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help instill a sense of environmental responsibility in children, teaching them to appreciate and care for our planet.