Buried Thunder
on Goodreads (337)
What’s inside...
It was meant to be the perfect venture. A beautiful guesthouse in a beautiful village with a sprawling forest nearby. Maya's parents have sunk all their money and hopes into The Rowan Tree and they're determined to make it work. Then Maya strays into the forest - and into a nightmare.
Discussion points
What do you think Maya feels when she first discovers the mysterious woods? How would you feel in her place?
Why do you think the author chose the title 'Buried Thunder'? What does it symbolize in the story?
How do the relationships between the characters change throughout the story? What causes these changes?
What are the key challenges Maya faces, and how does she handle them? What would you have done differently?
How does the setting affect the story? Can you imagine this story taking place in a different location?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion with general thoughts about the book before diving into specific questions, allowing your child to express their initial reactions.
Encourage your child to visualize scenes from the book, asking them to describe how they imagine different settings and characters.
Link discussions to personal experiences or current events to make the themes more relatable and meaningful.
Acknowledge all responses to demonstrate that all opinions are valid, fostering an open and comfortable conversation environment.
End the conversation by asking your child if anything surprised them or if there’s anything they would change about the story, promoting critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of trust
Explanation: In 'Buried Thunder', the protagonist Maya learns the hard way that not everyone can be trusted. The story intricately weaves scenarios where characters betray trust, demonstrating the consequences of misplaced trust.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being more cautious and mindful about who they trust and share personal information with, both in real life and online.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Maya encounters numerous challenges and threats throughout the book, yet she remains determined and resilient. This highlights the strength of character and the ability to persevere.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to stay strong and keep striving for solutions, even when faced with difficult situations, fostering a resilient mindset.
Example Lesson: The power of intuition
Explanation: Throughout 'Buried Thunder', Maya often relies on her intuition to make decisions and sense danger. Her instincts often lead her in the right direction, showcasing the importance of listening to one's inner voice.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to pay attention to their instincts and feelings, using them as a guide in making decisions or in situations where they feel uneasy.
Example Lesson: The impact of secrets
Explanation: The book delves into the complexities and consequences of keeping secrets, particularly how they can affect relationships and personal well-being.
Real-World Application: This can teach children about the importance of transparency and honesty with others, and encourage them to discuss their problems or concerns openly.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront fear
Explanation: Maya faces her fears head-on, particularly towards the climax of the story, which serves as a turning point for her character growth.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears, whether it's speaking in front of the class or trying something new, illustrating that bravery can lead to personal growth and overcoming obstacles.