Piper
What’s inside...
Long ago, in a small village in the middle of a deep, dark forest, there lived a lonely, deaf girl named Maggie. Shunned by her village because of her disability, her only comfort comes from her vivid imagination. Maggie has a gift for inventing stories and dreams of one day finding her fairy-tale love. When Maggie meets the mysterious Piper, it seems that all her wishes are coming true. Spellbound, Maggie falls hard for him and plunges headfirst into his magical world. But as she grows closer to the Piper, Maggie discovers that he has a dark side. The boy of Maggie's dreams might just turn out to be her worst nightmare.
Age
12-16
Length
123 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Piper felt when she encountered new challenges?
How did Piper's friends help her solve problems? Can you think of a time when your friends helped you?
What lesson did Piper learn by the end of the story?
If you were Piper, what would you have done differently in her situation?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in a different setting?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before diving into discussion, read the book with enthusiasm to make the storytelling lively and engaging. Use animated voices for different characters to bring the story to life. After reading, relate aspects of Piper’s experiences to your child's personal experiences to make the discussion more relatable and insightful. Encourage your child to express what they liked or didn’t like about the characters’ decisions, fostering critical thinking. Lastly, allow your child to draw or act out their favorite scene, which can lead to a deeper understanding and connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through Piper's interactions with her friends, the book illustrates how understanding and sharing the feelings of others can strengthen friendships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being mindful of how their peers feel and showing support during challenging times, fostering deeper connections.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Piper shows bravery when facing new challenges, which teaches children the importance of confronting fears to achieve personal growth.
Real-World Application: Kids can embrace this by trying new activities, whether it's in school or outside, helping them to grow more confident and resilient.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The story emphasizes the value of persistence as Piper continues to try despite encountering obstacles, illustrating that dedication leads to achievement.
Real-World Application: This encourages kids to keep pushing forward in their educational pursuits or personal goals, even when things get tough.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Piper learns that working together with others can lead to successful outcomes, as depicted during group activities in the story.
Real-World Application: Children can implement this by collaborating with classmates on group projects, enhancing their ability to work effectively in team settings.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Piper takes care of her belongings and respects others' properties, underscoring the importance of personal responsibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the significance of managing their own tasks and respecting communal spaces and items.