Zenda 6: A Test of Mirrors
#6 in Zen Series
on Goodreads (155)
What’s inside...
On the planet Azureblue, Zenda is on the verge of her thirteenth birthday and has found the final three musings from her broken gazing ball. With these musings, she is able to attend the harana ceremony, a significant event that will reveal her personal gifts and guide her life's work. However, on the night before the ceremony, Zenda still needs to recover her last two musings. In her desperation to resolve the issue, she finds herself transported to a strange dimension where she must undergo a challenging test to prove she is worthy of receiving her remaining musings.
Discussion points
What do you think Zenda felt when she faced the Test of Mirrors? How would you feel in that situation?
Zenda meets many characters who help her on her journey. Who was your favorite and why?
The mirrors in the book show different aspects of ourselves. What do you think your mirror would show about you?
If you could create a magical item to help Zenda in her adventures, what would it be and why?
How do you think trust and friendship are important in Zenda’s adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts as they relate to the themes in the book. Use the questions to guide a discussion that helps them connect their personal experiences with those of Zenda. Highlight the importance of understanding diverse characters and viewpoints. Praise their insights and curiosities, and share your own perspectives to foster a richer conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of self-reflection
Explanation: In 'Zenda 6: A Test of Mirrors', the protagonist Zenda faces challenges that require her to reflect on her past actions and decisions. This mirrors-based test symbolizes introspection and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to pause and reflect on their own behaviors and attitudes, leading to better self-awareness and personal development.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: Throughout the book, Zenda's decisions lead to various consequences, teaching her to think ahead about the potential outcomes of her actions.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their choices affect not just themselves but also others around them, promoting responsibility and foresight.
Example Lesson: The value of resilience
Explanation: Zenda encounters multiple obstacles but persists through her ingenuity and determination. Her resilience is pivotal in overcoming the challenges she faces.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance in the face of difficulties, encouraging them to not give up easily irrespective of the hurdles.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: As Zenda interacts with other characters, she learns to understand and empathize with their perspectives, which is crucial in her journey.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of seeing the world from other people’s viewpoints, fostering empathy and better social interactions.
Example Lesson: Collaboration yields success
Explanation: In several key scenes, Zenda teams up with allies to solve problems, highlighting that teamwork can lead to better solutions than when working alone.
Real-World Application: Children learn the benefits of cooperating and working with others, which can be applied in school projects, sports, and other group activities.