Tanglewreck
#1 in Tanglewreck Series
on Goodreads (2,630)
What’s inside...
Something frightening is happening to time. Time tornadoes are ripping people from the present, never to return them, while a woolly mammoth inexplicably appears on banks of the River Thames. Eleven-year-old Silver and her guardian live in a house called Tanglewreck, which is somehow at the center of these mysterious time warps. A strange heirloom called the Timekeeper is hidden somewhere in the house, and Silver must find it and protect it because whoever gets hold of the Timekeeper will have the power to control time-and life as we know it-forever. Reviews praise the exhilarating adventure, the historical and scientific allusions, and the well-developed characters. The story is described as appealing to fantasy and science-fiction fans, with touches of humor, chaos, excitement, and a bittersweet resolution. It combines rousing adventure with quantum physics, reminiscent of works by Madeline L'Engle and Lemony Snicket, and features a plucky hero similar to those in Neil Gaiman and Philip Pullman's books.
Character compass
Silver
Gabriel
Mrs. Rokabye
Abel Darkwater
Discussion points
What do you think about the concept of time travel in Tanglewreck? How would you feel if you could travel through time?
How do the characters in the story show bravery? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave?
What role does the Silver Apple play in the story? What do you think it symbolizes?
How do the relationships between characters change throughout the book? What do you think caused these changes?
What lesson did you learn from Tanglewreck? How can you apply this lesson in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on time travel and ask your child for their opinions, creating an open environment for discussion.
Relate discussions to personal experiences. For example, when talking about bravery, share a personal story of a time you felt brave, and encourage your child to do the same.
Explore the symbolism of the Silver Apple together by asking what other meanings it might hold besides what's presented in the story.
Encourage empathy by discussing the characters' emotions and decisions. Ask your child how they might feel or act if faced with similar situations.
Highlight the moral or lesson of the story, and brainstorm with your child ways they can integrate this lesson into their everyday actions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and resilience
Explanation: The protagonist, Silver, demonstrates courage and resilience in her quest to find the Timekeeper and protect her world.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of facing challenges bravely and persisting in difficult situations, equipping them with the determination to overcome obstacles in their lives.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the book, Silver forms bonds with allies and learns to collaborate to navigate the dangers they encounter.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate the people around them and understand that teamwork can help solve problems that might seem insurmountable when facing them alone.
Example Lesson: Consequences of greed
Explanation: The antagonist’s greed for controlling time leads to chaos and suffering, illustrating the destructive consequences of excessive greed.
Real-World Application: Provides a foundation for understanding the negative impacts of greed and the importance of being considerate of others’ needs and the larger community.
Example Lesson: Appreciating the present
Explanation: The quest for the Timekeeper highlights the theme of cherishing the current moment rather than manipulating time for personal gain.
Real-World Application: Helps children grasp the concept of mindfulness and the importance of living in the present, enjoying every moment, and not getting overly fixated on the past or future.