The Charlatan's Boy: A Novel
The Wilderking Trilogy Series
on Goodreads (661)
What’s inside...
The Charlatan's Boy follows the story of an orphan named Grady who travels from village to village with a huckster named Floyd, performing hoaxes on the citizens of the Corenwald frontier. As they struggle to make a living, Floyd devises an elaborate plot to revive belief in the mythical feechiefolk, which results in widespread panic and chaos. In the midst of this chaos, Grady discovers a life-changing truth about his own origins.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Grady was willing to pretend to be different creatures? How do you feel about his decisions?
What does the story teach us about truth and deception?
How do the townspeople react to Grady and Floyd’s performances? What does this tell us about how people view entertainment?
In what ways do Grady's feelings about family and belonging change throughout the book?
Can you think of a time when feeling accepted was important to you, like it was for Grady?
Tip: Role play these questions
Initiate the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on a character or event to encourage your child to open up.
Ask your child how they might feel in Grady’s situation to help them connect personally with the story.
Discuss the moral implications of the characters’ actions and decisions to enhance critical thinking.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of the book and explain why they liked it, fostering a deeper understanding of their preferences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Throughout 'The Charlatan's Boy', the protagonist Grady wrestles with feelings of betrayal and the consequences of deceit as he travels with a charlatan, uncovering truths about his past.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of truthfulness and the negative impacts lying can have on personal relationships and self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Understanding one's identity
Explanation: Grady's journey of self-discovery in finding out who he really is serves as a central theme in the novel.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to explore their own identities and embrace their unique qualities and origins.
Example Lesson: The significance of belonging and acceptance
Explanation: Grady's quest for a place where he feels accepted illuminates the human need for community and belonging.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to their own lives by understanding the importance of inclusivity and accepting others.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, Grady remains determined and resourceful, showcasing his resilience.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persevere through challenges and view failures as opportunities to grow.