Rise of the Shadowfire: A Graphic Novel (City of Dragons #2)
#2 of 2 in City of Dragons Series
What’s inside...
The second installment in the City of Dragons series follows the further adventures of our young heroes as they navigate the challenges of a world where dragons and humans coexist. They must confront the Shadowfire, a mysterious force or entity that threatens the delicate balance between the two species. In this new adventure, Grace and her friends return to find their way to Paris after the battle in Hong Kong. When Nate suddenly appears and whisks Grace away to the Dragon King's lair, she learns that Daijiang and his underlings are searching for an ancient relic that will let them subjugate the dragons, and Grace needs to find it first! With Grace's burgeoning Hùnxuè powers, the team must get to Paris and stop Daijiang's plan. But their new ally, Dr. Kim, may not be all she appears, and Daijiang has formidable allies of his own including a strangely familiar accomplice and a terrifying, powerful dragon that could threaten all of Paris.
Discussion points
What do you think motivates the characters to go on their adventure in 'Rise of the Shadowfire'?
How do the characters change throughout the story, and what causes these changes?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and teamwork from the dragons in the book?
If you could have a magical power like one of the dragons, what would it be and why?
How do you think the setting of the City of Dragons influences the events in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your thoughts on the book and ask your child what they liked best to make them feel comfortable expressing their opinions.
Praise your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking and connection with the book's themes.
Connect the themes of the book to real-life situations or personal experiences to make the conversation more relatable.
Encourage your child to draw a scene from the book or invent a short story about their favorite character to spark creativity and discussion.
Ask follow-up questions that require more than a yes or no answer to keep the conversation flowing and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist confronts daunting challenges and menacing dragons, demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of confronting their fears rather than avoiding them, useful in tackling everyday challenges such as trying new activities or standing up in class.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Characters in the story must work together to overcome obstacles and solve problems, highlighting the strength found in teamwork.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to value cooperative play and group projects, understanding that teamwork often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the journey, the characters face numerous setbacks but continue to push forward, embodying perseverance.
Real-World Application: Helps children grasp the concept of persisting through difficulties in their academic or personal pursuits, like completing a difficult school assignment or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The characters adapt to new challenges and recover from defeats, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to adapt and bounce back from setbacks, whether it's recovering from a poor grade or coping with changes at home.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: The interactions between diverse characters with differing viewpoints teach empathy and the importance of understanding.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to consider the feelings and perspectives of others, promoting empathy in school and at home.