Thunder Rising
#2 in Warriors: Dawn of the Clans Series
What’s inside...
The book follows Thunder, a young cat who navigates the wild and rises to become a leader within his community. The story is set during the origins of the warrior Clans, filled with adventure, suspense, and the struggle between good and evil. This second book of the prequel arc, Dawn of the Clans, explores the early days when cats first settled in the forest and began forging the Warrior code. Thunder, caught between two factions after a split in his group, must choose between his father, Clear Sky, who previously rejected him, and his current guardian, Gray Wing. A devastating fire puts Thunder's abilities to the test and forces him to choose his allegiances, deciding if blood ties are stronger than those built over time.
Character compass
Gray Wing
Thunder
Rainswept Flower
Turtle Tail
Wind Runner
Tall Shadow
Jagged Peak
Clear Sky
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make a good leader? How do you see these qualities in the characters within 'Thunder Rising'?
How do the cats in the story work together to overcome challenges? Can you think of a time when you had to work as part of a team?
What decisions would you have made differently if you were in Thunder's place? Why?
In what ways do you think trust impacts the relationships between the characters in 'Thunder Rising'?
How do you think the setting of the wild forest affects the story? Would the story change if it was set somewhere else?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the characters' experiences to their own life. This can deepen their understanding of the book’s themes and messages.
Use positive reinforcement to praise your child’s insights and opinions, fostering a supportive environment for discussion.
Ask follow-up questions to your child’s responses, showing genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Discuss the moral lessons in the book and relate them to real-world scenarios to help your child apply the book's lessons to their own experiences.
Encourage creative thinking by asking your child how they would modify the story or change the characters' decisions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Thunder Rising', various cat groups must work together to overcome challenges, demonstrating the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning that cooperation can lead to achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Leadership and Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist, Thunder, takes on leadership roles and learns to make decisions that affect others, highlighting the responsibilities leaders hold.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to take on small leadership roles, like leading a school project, to understand the importance of making thoughtful decisions and guiding others.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Characters face numerous threats and adversities but persist despite challenges, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that facing difficulties is a part of life and that perseverance is key to overcoming them.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Compassion
Explanation: Through interactions among the cat clans, the story promotes empathy and understanding towards those who are different.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace diversity and show compassion in their interactions, helping build more inclusive communities.
Example Lesson: Justice and Fairness
Explanation: The book delves into themes of justice as Thunder strives to ensure fair treatment for all groups.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of fairness in their dealings with peers and encourage them to stand up against injustices.