The Gathering
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Queenie the squirrel and Buster the blue jay return in a thrilling adventure set one year after their discovery of the Enchanted Forest and its wish-granting acorn. Faced with a catastrophic event that threatens their home and loved ones, they pin their hopes on a mysterious blue acorn. When Buster makes a wish, a riddle appears that guides them on a challenge requiring teamwork, trust, and faith. Alongside their families and new friends, they race against time to save their forest. The author, Margaret Piscitelli, shares her lifelong love for animals and her personal experiences with wildlife rescue, dedicating a portion of the book's proceeds to animal organizations in honor of her rescue dog, Buddy.
Discussion points
How did you feel about the way the characters in 'The Gathering' interacted with each other?
What are some ways the characters showed courage and kindness?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
What do you think was the most important message of the book?
If you were in the story, what would you have done differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts about the themes and characters of 'The Gathering' to make your child feel more comfortable expressing their opinions.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite parts of the book, and why those stood out to them, to deepen their comprehension and recall skills.
Ask your child to draw or write about a scene they liked best, using this as a springboard for discussion about the book's themes.
Connect themes from the book to real-life situations or family experiences to make the discussion more relevant and engaging for your child.
Praise your child for their thoughts and insights as they answer questions, fostering a positive attitude towards discussion and analysis.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'The Gathering', the characters learn to understand and share the feelings of others, helping them navigate their differences and conflicts.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to recognize emotions in their peers and offering comfort or assistance, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The protagonist in 'The Gathering' faces challenging situations that require courage to confront fears and stand up for what is right.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears, whether speaking in front of the class or standing up against bullying, instilling confidence and resilience.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The book showcases how characters work together to solve problems, highlighting that collaboration can lead to successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperating with others in group projects or team sports, understanding that collective effort often yields better results.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: Throughout 'The Gathering', the characters learn to interact respectfully with their natural surroundings, emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children to be mindful of their environmental impact, promoting activities like recycling, conserving water, or planting trees.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the book often encounter setbacks, but they continue to strive towards their goals, demonstrating persistence.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether it be mastering a new skill or improving in a subject at school.