Never After: The Missing Sword
#4 in Never After Series
What’s inside...
In the fourth installment of Melissa de la Cruz's middle grade fantasy saga, Filomena and her friends embark on a quest to save her mother from the evil clutches of Olga. Their journey takes them to the legendary land of Camelot to find the sword of Excalibur, the only thing that can save her mother. However, they quickly discover that Camelot is intertwined with the story of the Wizard of Oz. With the help of the Wicked Witches of the East and West, the League of Seven faces numerous challenges as they follow the yellow brick road to retrieve the enchanted sword and thwart the ogres' mission to destroy Never After. In a land where illusions abound, the stakes are high, and Filomena must pass the witch's tests to save her mother and their world.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the main character to go on their adventure?
How would you feel if you were in a similar situation as the protagonist?
What are some qualities of a true hero that were shown in this story?
If you could change one part of the story, what would it be and why?
Who was your favorite character, and what traits did you admire about them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest by asking your child to elaborate on their responses, encouraging them to think deeper about the characters and plot.
Relate the story's themes or situations to real-life experiences that your child might find relatable, enhancing their connection to the story.
Discuss the moral or lesson of the story and how it applies to everyday life, fostering a deeper understanding of the book’s message.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part or chapter, which can help them practice summarizing and expressing their opinions clearly.
Invite your child to draw or write about an alternate ending for the story, sparking their creativity and engagement with the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: In 'Never After: The Missing Sword,' characters must work together to find the missing sword, showcasing the importance of collaboration and diverse strengths.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, which can be applied in school projects or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The protagonist faces various challenges and danger, teaching readers about the courage required to confront fears and stand up for what is right.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be brave in facing their own challenges, such as trying new activities or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the characters come across puzzles and obstacles that they solve using their wit and intelligence, illustrating effective problem-solving techniques.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these problem-solving skills in their daily life tasks and in academic challenges.
Example Lesson: The value of Perseverance
Explanation: The quest for the missing sword is fraught with setbacks, yet the characters persist, teaching persistence in the face of difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of not giving up when encountering difficulties in schoolwork, sports, or relationships.