A Dangerous Game
not part of a series
What’s inside...
Scruggs Grady, excited to have his own home in Wisconsin, is taken to San Francisco by a mysterious aunt where he encounters international spies and a stolen piece of technology. In the midst of danger, he receives a secret note warning him of the 'Juggler.' Scruggs must use his wits to navigate through unfamiliar territory, decide whom to trust, and return to Peabody, Wisconsin. Meanwhile, in a separate story, Sam, a boy with a long-term illness, seeks adventure and normalcy by joining a school trip to the Scottish Highlands. Despite his condition, he wants to prove his strength, but the trip becomes perilous when his classmates take a dangerous risk. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant or dyslexic readers aged 8+.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
120 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the choices the main character made? Do you think they were good decisions?
How would you have handled the situations presented in the story differently?
What did you learn about facing challenges from this book?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story?
What does 'a dangerous game' mean to you after reading this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the story to create a comfortable space for open dialogue. Praise your child’s responses to encourage deeper thinking and connection with the book’s themes. Relate aspects of the book to real-life scenarios that your child may encounter to help them apply the lessons learned. Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to keep the conversation flowing and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of actions
Explanation: The book outlines various scenarios where characters face outcomes based on their choices, emphasizing the cause and effect relationship.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by thinking through their decisions, whether it's sharing a toy or completing homework, and foreseeing potential outcomes.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book collaborate to solve problems, highlighting how working together can achieve better results than working alone.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of cooperation in group activities at school or during sports, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Example Lesson: Developing problem-solving skills
Explanation: Through the adventures in the book, characters encounter challenges that they must think creatively to resolve.
Real-World Application: Children can mirror this behavior by using critical thinking and creativity to solve daily challenges, enhancing their cognitive flexibility and resilience.
Example Lesson: Valuing honesty
Explanation: The protagonist learns the importance of being truthful, even when it is difficult, and the positive outcomes that honesty can bring.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to practice honesty in their interactions with peers and adults, building trust and strengthening relationships.