Winterkeep: Graceling Realm
#4 of 5 in Graceling Realm Series
What’s inside...
Something is rotten in the heart of Winterkeep. Four years after Bitterblue left off, a new land has been discovered to the east: Torla; and the closest nation to Monsea is Winterkeep. Winterkeep is a land of miracles, a democratic republic run by people who like each other, where people speak to telepathic sea creatures, adopt telepathic foxes as pets, and fly across the sky in ships attached to balloons. But when Bitterblue’s envoys to Winterkeep drown under suspicious circumstances, she and Giddon and her half sister, Hava, set off to discover the truth–putting both Bitterblue’s life and Giddon’s heart to the test when Bitterblue is kidnapped. Giddon believes she has drowned, leaving him and Hava to solve the mystery of what’s wrong in Winterkeep. Lovisa Cavenda is the teenage daughter of a powerful Scholar and Industrialist with a fire inside her that is always hungry, always just nearly about to make something happen. She is the key to everything, but only if she can figure out what’s going on before anyone else, and only if she’s willing to transcend the person she’s been all her life.
Character compass
Queen Bitterblue
Lovisa Cavenda
Hava
Adventure
Giddon
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to embark on their journey to Winterkeep?
How do the different environments, like the mountains and the telepathic foxes, change the characters’ perspectives or decisions?
What lessons can we learn about trust and betrayal from the interactions between the characters?
How does the theme of self-discovery evolve throughout the story?
In what ways do the characters show strength and vulnerability, and what can we learn from this?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the characters’ experiences to their own life, discussing similarities and differences.
Discuss the concept of leadership and decision-making shown in the book, asking your child how they might act in similar situations.
Explore the book’s setting by asking your child to imagine and describe what being in Winterkeep might feel like.
Encourage your child to express which character they felt most connected to and why, fostering empathy and insight.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy
Explanation: In 'Winterkeep: Graceling Realm', characters must understand and empathize with beings from different backgrounds and species to succeed in their quests.
Real-World Application: Children can use empathy to better connect with classmates and friends who have different experiences and viewpoints.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face numerous challenges but their determination to overcome obstacles highlights the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Environmental stewardship
Explanation: The narrative includes themes of protecting natural resources and the responsibilities towards living sustainably.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of taking care of the environment, encouraging practices like recycling and conserving water at home.
Example Lesson: Leadership and responsibility
Explanation: Characters in leadership roles demonstrate decision-making that considers the well-being of others, emphasizing responsible leadership.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to take initiative in group settings, like classroom projects or peer activities, and consider the impacts of their decisions on others.