Wingbearer
#1 of 2 in Wingbearer Series
What’s inside...
In this epic graphic novel, a young girl named Zuli, raised by mystical bird spirits in the Great Tree, embarks on an adventure to stop a sinister force threatening the tree's magic. Along with her guardian owl, Frowly, and new friends, Zuli confronts an ancient dragon, the so-called Witch-Queen, and discovers her true identity. This middle grade graphic novel, the first in a series, is perfect for fans of the Amulet books and the Wings of Fire series.
Discussion points
What do you think Zuli's wings symbolize in her journey? How do they impact her interactions with other characters?
Can you relate to any of the challenges Zuli faces? How would you handle such situations?
What lessons do you think Zuli learns about friendship and bravery throughout the story?
How does the environment in the story affect Zuli and her adventure? What role does nature play in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the protagonist, Zuli, and her journey, fostering emotional connectivity and empathy.
Discuss the moral and ethical questions presented in the book, and encourage your child to think critically about the decisions made by characters.
Use the story’s setting and magical elements to ignite your child’s imagination, asking them to describe or draw other magical worlds they can think of.
Link discussions to real-life scenarios where similar themes of friendship, bravery, and nature might play crucial roles, making the story relevant to their experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: In 'Wingbearer', the protagonist embarks on a courageous journey to save their mystical world, facing numerous challenges and opponents bravely.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing fears and standing up for what they believe in, which can be applied in situations like trying new activities or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'Wingbearer', the protagonist relies on friendships and works together with others to overcome obstacles, highlighting the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This reinforces the value of collaboration and supporting one another in group projects at school or in sports teams.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Leadership
Explanation: The main character in 'Wingbearer' takes on the responsibility to protect their world, demonstrating qualities of leadership such as making tough decisions and guiding others.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and leading by example, applicable in leadership roles in school activities or community groups.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: As the protagonist faces setbacks on their journey, their ability to persevere and not give up is a central theme in 'Wingbearer'.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence in challenging tasks, whether it's completing a difficult homework assignment or improving in a sport.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Acceptance
Explanation: The diverse range of characters in 'Wingbearer' promotes understanding and acceptance of different cultures and backgrounds.
Real-World Application: This can help children embrace diversity and foster an inclusive attitude towards classmates and peers from various backgrounds.