Treasures of the Twelve
#2 in The Twelve Series
on Goodreads (218)
What’s inside...
Bursting with heart and packed with exciting new places, dangerous obstacles, and mysterious powers, Cindy Lin’s sequel to The Twelve is a page-turning race against time that’s perfect for fans of The Zodiac Legacy and Spirit Animals series! When Usagi first met the fabled Heirs of the Twelve, she had just one goal: saving her sister, Uma. But despite increasing her zodiac powers by becoming the new Rabbit Warrior Heir, Usagi’s attempts to rescue Uma have failed. Soon Usagi and the Heirs realize that to truly free those they love from the Dragonlord, they must take on a dangerous task: finding the ancient treasures of The Twelve. Hidden away by the last zodiac warriors, these treasures have miraculous powers. Their wielder can create massive sandstorms, bring the clouds down to earth to enshroud everyone nearby in a thick fog, or even grant any wish they desire—for a brief time. Usagi and the Heirs must journey farther than they ever have before and take on the riddles and obstacles that await them on their hunt for the ancient relics. But will they find them in time to save Uma?
Discussion points
What do you think are the most important qualities a leader should have, based on the characters in 'Treasures of the Twelve'?
How do the friendships in the story change or grow? Can you relate these transformations to any of your own friendships?
The characters face many challenges. How would you have handled some of these situations differently?
What do you think the treasures symbolize in the story? How do these symbols connect to real-life values or lessons?
If you could possess any of the characters' abilities, which one would you choose and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that prompt more than a yes or no answer to encourage deeper thinking and conversation.
Listen actively to your child's responses without interrupting, showing that their thoughts and opinions are valued.
Relate topics and themes from the book to the child’s own experiences to make the discussion more relatable and meaningful.
Encourage creative thinking by asking your child how they might rewrite a part of the story or change a character’s decision.
Facilitate a warm and comfortable discussion environment, perhaps by scheduling a regular 'book talk' time that your child can look forward to.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Treasures of the Twelve,' the protagonists must work together to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles, demonstrating how teamwork can achieve goals that might be unattainable individually.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning how to collaborate effectively with others to reach a common goal.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters in the book frequently face dangerous situations, but their courage helps them to not give up and push forward despite their fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital for children as they face their own challenges, encouraging them not to be deterred by difficulties but to face them bravely.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: As the characters in the book persist through their quest despite numerous setbacks, they teach the reader about the importance of perseverance in achieving one's objectives.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting with their tasks, be it completing homework or practicing a sport, understanding that success often comes from continuous effort.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: The diverse group of characters in 'Treasures of the Twelve' shows that working with people from different backgrounds can lead to successful outcomes and new friendships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open and respectful to peers who might come from different cultural or personal backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Integrity
Explanation: Throughout their journey, characters are faced with choices that test their honesty and integrity, reinforcing the importance of these traits.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of being honest and maintaining strong moral principles in their daily interactions and decisions.