The Castle
on Goodreads (259)
What’s inside...
A search for the truth about her father’s death takes schoolgirl Peta Jones to a dangerous place. It's not just the bridesmaid's dress that Peta has a problem with - it's the whole wedding. How can her mum remarry when her army-hero dad isn't dead? When Peta receives clues that seem to prove he's alive, she sets out on a crazy mission. Somewhere across the sea, her father's being held in a billionaire's castle. Dad would do anything to save her - and now it's her turn to rescue him. Peta Jones is an ordinary girl struggling with the loss of her father, an army hero who died in mysterious circumstances. When she receives clues that he may still be alive, but no one believes her, she embarks on a dangerous rescue across the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean to a clifftop castle, home to a billionaire in exile. Soon Peta discovers that what some people will do for money, she will do for truth and hope.
Discussion points
What do you think life in a castle would be like? How would you feel living there?
What do the characters in the story teach us about bravery and friendship?
How would you help the characters solve the problems they encountered in the book?
If you could add another character to the story, who would they be and why?
What was your favorite part of the book and why did it stand out to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage children to imagine themselves in the story’s setting; ask them to describe how they might interact with the characters.
Discuss the moral lessons in the story, relating them to the child’s own experiences with friendship and challenges.
Create a fun activity, such as drawing a new castle room or writing a letter to a character, to deepen their connection to the story.
After reading, ask your child to summarize the story to you, enhancing both retention and comprehension.
Use expressive reading to bring characters to life, varying your tone and pace to match the narrative, making the story more engaging for the child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: In 'The Castle', characters work together to solve problems and overcome obstacles, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning the value of cooperation and collective effort.
Example Lesson: Courage and facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist encounters various challenges but overcomes them bravely, teaching children to face fears head-on.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to tackle their own fears, whether it be trying out for a team, participating in a school play, or standing up for a friend.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and stewardship
Explanation: The story promotes caring for others and taking responsibility for the welfare of the community, as characters look after the castle and its inhabitants.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of caring for their environment and being responsible members of their community, fostering a sense of belonging and duty.
Example Lesson: Imagination and creativity
Explanation: The magical elements and creative problem-solving in the book stimulate the imagination, showing the power of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination in play and learning, helping them to think outside the box and find innovative solutions to problems.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through challenges
Explanation: Characters in the book consistently push through difficulties, embodying the spirit of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of not giving up when facing their own challenges, be it in academics, personal projects, or relationships.