The Door in the Forest
on Goodreads (159)
What’s inside...
At the mid point of three towns, in the center of three streams, in the heart of a forest, lies a mysterious island. Encircled by quicksand and sewn shut by vines, it is impenetrable to all but the poisonous snakes patrolling its waters. But Daniel is determined to get there, along with his friend Emily. Emily is a bit mysterious herself, with a past shrouded in secrecy, her mother taken away by government troops, and an eccentric grandmother who reads the future in her bubble bath. When soldiers arrive with a menacing commander who shows a keen interest in the sleepy town of Everwood, questions arise about what they are searching for - a treasure map, the island, or Emily herself? Roderick Townley weaves a magical tale of lies and truth, secrets kept and secrets revealed, reminding us that eventually, we all must step through the door in the forest.
Age
8-12
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Daniel
Emily
Colonel Slade
Discussion points
What do you think the forest symbolizes in the story?
How do you think the main character felt when they found the door? How would you feel?
Why is it important to respect nature as shown in the book?
What would you do if you found a magical door in a forest?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own magical forest and what kind of door they might find there. Discuss the importance of bravery and curiosity as demonstrated by the characters. Relate the story to personal experiences with nature to make the themes more relevant and engaging. Ask your child to draw their favorite scene to deepen their connection with the storyline.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: In 'The Door in the Forest', the characters demonstrate strong bonds and support each other through various challenges, showing that friendship can overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture their friendships, understanding that working together can help solve problems they face in school or in their community.
Example Lesson: The importance of courage
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters face fearful situations but choose to act bravely. This reinforces the idea that courage isn't the absence of fear, but the decision to confront it.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to be brave in situations where they might feel scared, such as trying new activities or standing up for what's right.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The enchanted forest setting in 'The Door in the Forest' is portrayed with a mystical reverence, emphasizing the beauty and importance of the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to appreciate and care for the environment around them, promoting activities like recycling, conservation, and enjoying nature responsibly.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity
Explanation: Curiosity drives the protagonists to explore the mysterious door in the forest, leading them to magical adventures and self-discovery.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore the world around them, ask questions, and seek out new knowledge, both academically and in their personal lives.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book often face setbacks, but their perseverance shows that persistent efforts can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of not giving up when faced with difficulties, whether it's solving a tough math problem or dealing with a personal challenge.