A Secret in Time
on Goodreads (16)
What’s inside...
Alex and Ruby are back in their FOURTH time-slip adventure, tumbling back into 1947! From multi-award-winning author Sally Nicholls comes another brilliant action-packed adventure for 7+ readers, beautifully illustrated by Rachael Dean.
When siblings Alex and Ruby tumble back through th...
Why read this book
- Engages kids with a thrilling time-travel adventure.
- Fosters imagination and curiosity about history.
- Encourages resilience and resourcefulness.
- Enhances understanding of cause and effect.
Age
7-10
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Annie felt when she discovered the secret in the clock? What would you do if you were in her shoes?
What are some differences and similarities between your life and Annie’s life in the past?
Why is it important to keep a secret like Annie's, and what might happen if such a secret was revealed?
How did Annie’s adventures change her views on friendship and trust?
What would you change in the story, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story’s setting and ask how they might react to specific events or challenges faced by the characters.
Discuss the historical context of the book to enhance understanding and appreciation of the different time periods portrayed.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s experiences, such as dealing with secrets, understanding friendship, and the consequences of actions.
Explore the moral lessons of the story with your child and discuss how these lessons can apply to their life today.
After finishing the book, ask your child to summarize the story in their own words. This boosts comprehension and retention.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'A Secret in Time,' the protagonist learns that hiding the truth can lead to complications and misunderstandings. By being honest, they resolve conflicts and strengthen relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the value of telling the truth, even when it's difficult, to build trust with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: The story showcases the protagonist's journey through unknown territories and times, teaching them to overcome fears and embrace new experiences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to step out of their comfort zones, whether trying a new activity or making new friends, helping them grow and learn.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must work together to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles, highlighting the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, which is applicable in group projects and team sports.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: As the characters travel through different times, they encounter various cultures and perspectives, promoting an appreciation for diversity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to respect and celebrate differences in people, helping them develop into empathetic and inclusive individuals.
Example Lesson: Learning from history
Explanation: The plot involves traveling back in time, providing insights into historical events and figures, which emphasizes the importance of learning from the past.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore history and its lessons to better understand the world and avoid repeating past mistakes.