#1 in The Explorer Series
Rooftoppers
2013 by
on Goodreads (15,650)
What’s inside...
Rooftoppers is a story about a young girl named Sophie who embarks on a journey to Paris in search of her mother. Along the way, she meets a group of children who live on the rooftops of the city, and together they help her find her mother.
Why read this book
- Adventure-filled journey that fosters curiosity and imagination.
- Strong, inspiring characters encourage resilience and friendship.
- Enhances vocabulary and comprehension through rich descriptions.
- Offers insights into historical settings, expanding knowledge.
The Big Picture
- Embrace challenges with hope and resilience.
- Value unique, unconventional friendships.
- Everyone has a special place where they belong.
- Nurture imagination through whimsical adventures.
Diversity & Representation
- Showcases diverse characters overcoming societal expectations.
- Promotes inclusivity through cross-cultural friendships and connections.
- Encourages acceptance of different lifestyles and perspectives.
Book in series
#1
Age
7-12
Length
279 pages
Text complexity
proficient
Character Compass
Discussion points
What would you do if you found yourself on a rooftop in a big city? How would you feel?
Sophie met many interesting characters on her journey. Who was your favorite and why?
How do the rooftops in the story compare to the ground level world? What makes them special?
Sophie believes in the impossible. Can you think of a time when something seemed impossible but you achieved it?
The book explores the theme of searching for family. What does family mean to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create an open, listening environment where your child feels comfortable sharing their thoughts. Show interest in their responses and ask follow-up questions to deepen the discussion. Relate the themes of the book to your child's personal experiences to make the conversation more relevant. Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Sophie’s world and think about how they would react in similar situations. Highlight the importance of perseverance and believing in oneself, as demonstrated by Sophie throughout her adventures.
What parents love
Engaging adventure, sparked my child's imagination!
Handled sensitive themes thoughtfully, very age-appropriate.
Beautiful blend of fun storytelling and meaningful lessons.
Promotes critical thinking about family and acceptance.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: In 'Rooftoppers', the protagonist Sophie demonstrates resilience as she searches for her mother despite numerous obstacles and doubts from others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist in the face of challenges, understanding that difficulties are a part of life to be overcome.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Loyalty
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Sophie forms deep bonds with the rooftoppers, showcasing the strength and importance of trust and loyalty in friendships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of supporting and relying on friends during tough times, strengthening interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Curiosity
Explanation: Sophie's adventure in the novel is driven by her vivid imagination and curiosity about the world around her.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to explore their surroundings and consider imaginative possibilities can lead to creative problem-solving and a deeper understanding of the world.
Example Lesson: Identity and Belonging
Explanation: As Sophie seeks her mother, she also explores deeper questions about who she is and where she truly belongs.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of self-discovery and finding one’s place, be it within a family or a larger community.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Sophie consistently faces her fears throughout 'Rooftoppers', showing bravery in uncertain situations.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and understand that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.