Treasure in the Lake
on Goodreads (2,027)
What’s inside...
In Jason Pamment's middle grade graphic novel debut, thirteen-year-old Iris, a voracious reader, feels real adventure is out of reach in her small town of Bugden. However, Iris and her best friend, Sam, find an unusually dry river that leads them to a hidden city and an ancient tale of friendship. As they uncover the truth, Iris and Sam must navigate their own friendship challenges, wondering if history will repeat itself and tear them apart. Grand adventures stories often begin where you least expect them… Iris knows this because she’s read them all. However, as a thirteen-year-old stuck in the tiny town of Bugden, real adventure seems like a distant dream. But when Iris and her best friend, Sam, stumble upon an unusually dry river on the outskirts of town, they’re led to a discovery beyond anything Iris has ever read a hidden city and a forgotten tale of friendship. In Jason Pamment's middle grade graphic novel debut, perfect for fans of Hilda and This Was Our Pact, can Iris and Sam uncover the truth in time to keep their own friendship afloat, or will history repeat itself and pull them apart forever? An ALSC Graphic Novel Reading List Title
Age
8-12
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Iris
Sam
Lily
Discussion points
What do you think Iris and Sam hoped to find at the beginning of their adventure? How did their goals change by the end?
How did the characters' friendship evolve throughout the story? Can you share a time when a friendship of yours grew stronger?
What do you think the treasure in the lake symbolizes?
How did the setting of the story influence the events? How would the story change if it was set somewhere else?
What lessons did Iris and Sam learn during their adventure? Which lesson was the most important to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting your discussion, revisit key scenes in the book to refresh your child’s memory and to make the conversation more vivid.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their responses to foster a deeper engagement.
Draw parallels between the adventures and challenges faced by Iris and Sam and real-life situations your child might encounter.
Ask your child to imagine alternate endings or other treasures they could find—this encourages creative thinking and connection to the story's themes.
Finish the conversation by planning a small exploratory adventure of your own, making connections from the book to your child’s world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: In 'Treasure in the Lake,' the protagonists venture on an adventurous quest that leads them to discover a hidden treasure. Their journey emphasizes the importance of curiosity and the joys of discovering the unknown.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore new subjects and areas of interest, fostering a lifelong love for learning and discovery.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout their adventure, the characters learn to collaborate and support each other, showcasing how teamwork can help overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by working together with peers on projects or in sports, learning the value of cooperation and mutual support.
Example Lesson: Respecting and preserving history and nature
Explanation: The story highlights the characters' discovery of historical artifacts, teaching them—and the reader—about the importance of historical and environmental preservation.
Real-World Application: Children can be involved in community clean-up projects or visit historical sites, learning to appreciate and care for their surroundings.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: As the characters confront mysterious elements of their adventure, they demonstrate bravery, an essential trait for personal growth and success.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to face new challenges, whether it's trying out a new activity or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The protagonists encounter various challenges that require creative solutions, which highlights the importance of thinking critically and solving problems.
Real-World Application: This can be applied in a child’s everyday life by encouraging them to think of different ways to handle conflicts or challenges at school or at home.