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Small Town Hero

#9 of 10 in The Dragonsitter Series

illustrations by
4.00
on Goodreads (11)

What’s inside...

My new boss is my best friend’s older brother and the golden boy of Paradise Shores. Me? I'm the misfit single mom who never wanted to fit in... Being forced to move back to my hometown after a decade away is embarrassing, but I’ll do anything to protect my little girl. I’ll even wait tables at the elite Yacht Club… now owned by the boy I once had a huge crush on. He’s grown up and claimed his rightful place as King of Paradise Shores. Parker Marchand was a star athlete and professional sailor who never looked at me twice. He’s strong and steady, everything my abusive ex wasn't, but I'm a struggling single mom and professional screw-up. What could we possibly have in common? But Parker doesn't believe in no win situations. He wants to be my knight in shining armor. His plan: Charm my daughter. Take me sailing. Out to dinner...and into his bed. Make me forget everyone but him. The man I’ve always wanted is within reach, but I've been burned too many times to trust again. Parker has a brilliant future and I’m running from my past. Everyone knows knights in shining armor aren't real, and I’m too old to believe in fairy tales. Even if Parker is making it hard not to...

Why read this book

  • Captivating tale of courage and community.
  • Encourages empathy and teamwork among young readers.
  • Engages children with vibrant, descriptive storytelling.
  • Suitable for improving kids' reading and comprehension skills.
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

7-9

Length

80 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

What qualities do you think make someone a hero like the character in 'Small Town Hero'?
How did the main character's actions impact the people around them in the story?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and how it made you feel?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character's situation?
Why is it important to help others in our community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, and share your own insights to deepen the connection.
Link discussions to real-life scenarios where your child can relate or apply the lessons learned from the book.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage empathy by asking how they would feel in similar situations depicted in the book.
Use the story’s themes as a springboard to discuss the importance of community and teamwork in problem-solving.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Small Town Hero,' the protagonist experiences various challenges that teach them to understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy in their daily interactions, learning to consider the feelings of friends and classmates, and helping to create a supportive environment.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Community
Explanation: The story showcases how people in the town come together to support one another, highlighting the strength of community bonds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of participating in community activities, understanding that collective efforts can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Challenges
Explanation: The main character overcomes fears to tackle obstacles, demonstrating bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of facing their fears, whether it's speaking in front of the class or trying out new activities.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Taking care of a community problem, the protagonist learns the importance of being responsible and dependable.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace responsibilities in their own lives, such as completing homework on time or taking care of a pet.
Example Lesson: Perseverance Through Difficulties
Explanation: The character persistently works through challenges without giving up, showing perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to keep trying and not get discouraged by setbacks, whether in schoolwork, sports, or personal goals.

Small Town Hero by Josh Lacey, Olivia Hayle