Windblowne
on Goodreads (242)
What’s inside...
A high-flying fantasy adventure that will blow readers away! Every kite Oliver touches flies straight into the ground, making him the laughingstock of Windblowne. With the kite-flying festival only days away, Oliver tracks down his reclusive great-uncle Gilbert, a former champion. With Gilbert's help, Oliver can picture himself on the crest, launching into the winds to become one of the legendary fliers of Windblowne. Then his great-uncle vanishes during a battle with mysterious attack kites—kites that seem to fly themselves! All that remains is his prize possession, a simple crimson kite. At least, the kite seems simple. When Oliver tries to fly it, the kite lifts him high above the trees. When he comes down, the town and all its people have disappeared. Suddenly the festival is the last thing on Oliver's mind as he is catapulted into a mystery that will change everything he understands about himself and his world. Inspired by the work of Diana Wynne Jones, debut author Stephen Messer delivers a fantasy book for boys and girls in which the distance between realities is equal to the breadth of a kite string.
Age
8-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Oliver
Great-Uncle Gilbert
Dark Oliver
Discussion points
What did you think about the main character's journey? How would you feel in their situation?
The wind plays a significant role in 'Windblowne'. What do you think it symbolizes?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story?
If you could create your own adventure like in 'Windblowne', what would it be like?
What is the most important lesson you learned from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate the story to your child’s personal experiences to make the conversation more relatable.
Encourage your child to draw a scene from the book; this can spark conversation about their favorite parts or characters.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next if the story continued, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Discuss the motivations of different characters and ask your child why they might have acted in certain ways, enhancing empathy and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance Through Challenges
Explanation: In 'Windblowne', the protagonist faces numerous obstacles while embarking on an adventure to save his town. His determination to overcome these challenges is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence and resilience in the face of difficulties, whether it's completing a difficult school project or resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Importance of Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: The story highlights the protagonist's use of inventive strategies to solve problems, showing how creativity can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think outside the box and use their imagination not only in play but in problem-solving in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Responsibility Towards Community
Explanation: The lead character's quest is not just for personal gain but to save his entire community, illustrating the impact of personal actions on a larger group.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of community involvement and that their contributions, no matter how small, can make a difference.
Example Lesson: Value of Courage
Explanation: Facing fears is a recurring challenge for the characters in 'Windblowne', emphasizing the importance of bravery in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of facing their fears whether it's trying new activities or standing up for what's right.
Example Lesson: Learning from Failure
Explanation: As the characters in the book often learn from setbacks, the story teaches that failure is a natural part of the learning process and not something to be feared.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding in their lives by viewing their own mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning rather than reasons for discouragement.