Rooftoppers
#1 in The Explorer Series
on Goodreads (16,408)
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. Everyone thinks that Sophie is an orphan, as there were no other female survivors from the shipwreck that left baby Sophie floating in the English Channel in a cello case. However, Sophie remembers seeing her mother wave for help. Her guardian tells her it is almost impossible that her mother is still alive, but 'almost impossible' means 'still possible.' When the Welfare Agency threatens to send Sophie to an orphanage, she flees to Paris with the only clue she has - the address of the cello maker. Evading the French authorities, she meets Matteo and his network of rooftoppers who live in the hidden spaces above the city. Together they search for Sophie’s mother, but they must find her before Sophie is caught and sent back to London, or before she loses hope. Phillip Pullman, author of the His Dark Materials series, calls Rooftoppers 'the work of a writer with an utterly distinctive voice and a wild imagination.'
Character compass
Sophie
Matteo
Safie
Charles Maxim
Miss Eliot
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.
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.