#6 in The Guardians of Ga'Hoole Series
To Be a King
on Goodreads (6,103)
What’s inside...
In the midst of war, a young prince rises to power. Soren and his band are sent to the mysterious Northern Kingdoms to gather allies and learn the art of war in preparation for the coming cataclysmic battle against the sinister Pure Ones. Meanwhile, in the Southern Kingdoms, St. Aggie's has fallen to the Pure Ones and they are using its resources to plan a final invasion of The Great Ga'Hoole Tree. With the future of all Owldom in the balance, the parliament of Ga'Hoole must decide whether or not to join forces with the brutal Skench and Spoorn and the scattered remnants of St. Aggie's who remain faithful to them.
Character compass
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make a good leader, like the ones in 'To Be a King'?
How do you think the characters felt when they faced challenges? Can you relate to any of their feelings?
What would you have done differently if you were in the same situation as the main character?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story?
What did you learn about friendship and responsibility from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Draw parallels between the challenges faced by characters in the book and real-life situations your child might encounter, to make the conversation more relevant.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book by sharing your own interpretations and reactions to the story.
Use the characters’ experiences to discuss the importance of leadership and responsibility, asking your child about moments when they felt they showed leadership.
Highlight key moments of character development and decision-making in the book to discuss the value of personal growth and making tough choices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Leadership and Responsibility
Explanation: In 'To Be a King', the protagonist learns about the weight and honor of leadership as he prepares to inherit the throne.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these principles by taking initiative in group projects at school or by helping to make decisions in family activities.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Wisdom
Explanation: The story emphasizes the value of wisdom through the young prince's interactions with his advisors and the decisions he makes.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to seek advice from knowledgeable sources like teachers and mentors, recognizing the importance of informed decision-making.
Example Lesson: Courage in Adversity
Explanation: Facing challenges to his future reign, the protagonist demonstrates courage, a central theme as he overcomes obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to face their fears whether it’s trying out for a sports team, dealing with bullies, or speaking up in class.
Example Lesson: Integrity and Honesty
Explanation: The young prince consistently chooses to be truthful and maintain his integrity, even when faced with difficult choices.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to always tell the truth and maintain their personal values, even when it might be easier to lie.
Example Lesson: Compassion and Empathy
Explanation: Throughout his journey, the prince shows compassion towards his subjects and understands different perspectives.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be empathetic towards their peers and to consider the feelings and situations of others around them.