Midnight Rider
What’s inside...
This is a spellbinding story about a magnificent horse who helps transform a lonely man's life, and creates a new legend in the process. Only Charlie, a determined young girl, knows the secret of the ghostly Midnight Rider. Charlie becomes friends with Mr. Grimm through her love for his horse, and the two of them share a secret that even wise Old Fig doesn't know.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
61 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Midnight Rider was feeling during his big adventure?
How do you think the story would change if you were in it?
Why is friendship important in the story, and how does it help the characters?
What would you have done differently if you were Midnight Rider?
What did you learn from Midnight Rider’s journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each chapter, ask your child to predict what might happen next, enhancing their analytical skills.
Use different voices for each character to make the reading experience more lively and engaging.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene, helping them connect visually and emotionally with the story.
Discuss the moral of the story and how it can be applied in your child's everyday life, reinforcing the theme and lessons of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: In 'Midnight Rider', the protagonist faces numerous challenges but consistently demonstrates resilience in overcoming them.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through difficulties in their own lives, understanding that setbacks can lead to personal growth and success.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights the value of friendships and how friends can provide support and strength during tough times.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building and maintaining supportive relationships, and how these relationships can have a positive impact on their lives.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The main character shows courage when tackling obstacles and standing up for what is right, regardless of fears.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be brave in the face of their own fears and to always stand up for their beliefs and principles.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout 'Midnight Rider', the characters encounter various problems that they must solve using their intelligence and creativity.
Real-World Application: This aspect of the book teaches children the importance of critical thinking and creativity in solving problems, skills which are applicable in academic and social situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Characters in the book often express understanding and compassion for each other's situations, which strengthens their bonds.
Real-World Application: Children learn to see the world from different perspectives and to show compassion, fostering better interpersonal relationships and a more inclusive attitude.