Spin the Dawn: The Blood of Stars
#1 of 2 in The Blood of Stars Series
on Goodreads (61,506)
What’s inside...
Maia Tamarin dreams of becoming the greatest tailor in the land. Disguised as a boy, she takes her ailing father's place in a competition at the Summer Palace to become the imperial tailor. Competing against twelve other tailors, Maia faces challenges and the court enchanter, Edan. Her final task is to sew three legendary gowns from the sun, the moon, and the stars, sending her on a perilous journey that could fulfill her dream or end her life. Along the way, she encounters backstabbing, lies, and forbidden romance, all while being steeped in Chinese culture and magic.
Character compass
Maia Tamarin
Edan
Lady Sarnai
Emperor Khanujin
Discussion points
How do you think Maia felt when she had to disguise herself to pursue her dreams? What would you do in her situation?
What role do you think family loyalty plays in Maia's decisions throughout the story?
How does Maia's journey help her discover her own strengths and weaknesses? Can you relate to this?
In what ways do the magical elements of the story affect the characters and their actions? How does this compare to real-life situations?
What did you learn about courage and perseverance from Maia's adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Maia's shoes, fostering empathy and deeper understanding of the character's challenges and triumphs. Ask them how they might feel or react under similar circumstances. Highlight the importance of dreams and perseverance, discussing personal aspirations and the steps to achieve them. Use examples from the book to talk about the impact of decisions and the consequences that follow, enhancing critical thinking. Lastly, celebrate creative elements in the story, prompting your child to imagine and perhaps create their own magical world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist, Maia, demonstrates perseverance and resilience by overcoming numerous obstacles to pursue her dream of becoming a master tailor.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist in their endeavors despite challenges, understanding that hard work and resilience are key to achieving their goals.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: Maia uses her creativity to solve problems and create magical garments. Her innovative thinking is central to her success.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think outside the box and use their imagination to find solutions in difficult situations, promoting creative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Integrity and Honesty
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Maia faces choices that test her integrity. She remains true to her values, which guides her to make the right decisions.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of staying true to their principles and the positive outcomes of being honest and ethical in their actions.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face the Unknown
Explanation: Maia embarks on a perilous journey that requires courage to face the unknown and the unfamiliar.
Real-World Application: Instills the value of bravery in children, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new experiences.
Example Lesson: The Power of Love and Family
Explanation: The strong bond Maia shares with her family, especially her father, motivates her actions and decisions throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Highlights the importance of family support and love, teaching children to value and rely on family relationships.