Krabat and the Sorcerer's Mill (Selected Titles in the New York Review Children's Collection)
The New York Review children's collection Series
What’s inside...
In seventeenth-century Germany, a boy desperately wants to escape from a school for Black Magic where he is held captive by demonic forces. A dark thriller about a boy forcibly made apprentice to a sorcerer, set against enchanted woods and shadowy ruins.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
264 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Krabat
The Kantorka
Juro
Tonda
Lyschko
The Master
Discussion points
What do you think made Krabat choose to stay at the mill, despite its eerie atmosphere?
How do you believe friendship influenced decisions and events in the story?
What lessons can we learn about power and responsibility from the sorcerer and Krabat?
If you were in Krabat's place, how would you have dealt with the challenges he faced?
How did the ending of the story make you feel, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Krabat’s shoes, fostering empathy and critical thinking. Discuss the moral dilemmas presented and ask what they would have done differently. Highlight the importance of choices and consequences found in the story to bridge connections to real-life situations. Lastly, celebrate the power of friendship and trust as depicted in the book and relate it to your child’s own experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and loyalty
Explanation: In 'Krabat and the Sorcerer's Mill,' the protagonist, Krabat, learns about the power of friendship as he and his fellow apprentices support each other in the face of the sorcerer's daunting trials.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by valuing and nurturing their friendships, understanding that loyalty and support are vital in overcoming challenges.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront evil
Explanation: Krabat demonstrates bravery as he faces the evil sorcerer who controls the mill and uses dark magic for personal gain. His courage helps him to eventually free himself and his friends.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to stand up against wrongdoing and fight for justice, teaching them the significance of bravery in adverse situations.
Example Lesson: The power of knowledge and learning
Explanation: Throughout the book, Krabat learns various spells and uses this knowledge to his advantage, underlining the idea that education and wisdom can be powerful tools.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the value of education and view learning as a tool that can empower them and help solve problems they encounter in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Self-sacrifice for greater good
Explanation: Krabat's journey includes moments where he must make personal sacrifices for the benefit of his friends, highlighting themes of altruism and selflessness.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of sometimes putting the needs of others before their own, fostering empathy and communal responsibility.