Chase
Safari summer Series
on Goodreads (211)
What’s inside...
Phin Chase was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now he's witness to a murder, and he must run fast and far to escape the Sleepersthe secretive, powerful organization responsible for the crime. With only his own wits to rely on, Phin hops a train to flee his small town. But there's a mysterious man on his traila man with a horse that tracks like a bloodhound. He could be working for the Sleepers . . . or he could be working against them. But Phin can't risk finding out. Even if Phin manages to turn the tables on his pursuer, neither hunter nor quarry can imagine what will happen when they inevitably collide.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Chase felt when he first met the wild horse?
Why is it important to care for and protect animals?
How did Chase's relationship with the horse change throughout the story?
What would you have done if you were in Chase’s shoes?
How do you think the story would be different if it was set in a city instead of the countryside?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book, setting a comfortable tone for open discussion. Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story, and make sure to actively listen and respond to their insights. Use the questions to guide the discussion but allow your child to steer the conversation in directions they are curious about. Connect the themes of the book to your child’s own experiences, helping them relate personally to Chase’s adventures and decisions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Chase', the protagonist learns to take care of a horse, demonstrating the importance of regular, reliable care for pets.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the responsibilities involved in caring for pets or helping with household chores.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The story showcases the protagonist facing fears to save the horse, emphasizing the value of bravery in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a sports team, standing up to bullying, or speaking out in class.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As the protagonist connects with the horse, they learn to understand and share the feelings of another being, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize emotions in others, increasing their ability to empathize with friends and family and to develop healthier relationships.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist encounters various obstacles but remains determined to protect and care for the horse, showing the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to keep trying in the face of challenges, such as learning a new skill or improving in a subject at school.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The story presents different challenges the protagonist must overcome using critical thinking and creativity.
Real-World Application: This instills the value of problem-solving skills, which children can use in academic settings or in everyday decision-making.