#6 in The Brotherband Chronicles Series
The Ghostfaces
2016 by
on Goodreads (9,220)
What’s inside...
In 'The Ghostfaces,' the sixth installment of John Flanagan's 'Brotherband Chronicles,' the Heron brotherband, led by Hal Mikkelson, is caught in a massive storm while sailing and is washed up on the shores of a mysterious land. They soon discover that they are in the Kingdom of the Ghostfaces, a fierce and warlike tribe. As the Herons struggle to survive in this new environment, they encounter the Ghostfaces and must defend themselves against repeated attacks. During one of these encounters, the Herons rescue an injured girl named Stig, who becomes an ally. The brotherband faces numerous challenges, including finding food, shelter, and dealing with the harsh weather. They also have to protect their new friend from her own people. The Herons use their skills and teamwork to overcome these obstacles, and they eventually find a way to return to their home in Skandia. The book is a tale of adventure, survival, and the power of friendship.
Why read this book
- Adventurous tale enhances problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Relatable characters foster emotional development and empathy.
- Engaging narrative promotes literacy and sustained focus.
- Storytelling sparks imagination and creative thinking.
The Big Picture
- Promotes resilience through teamwork and friendship.
- Encourages empathy and problem-solving skills.
- Helps discuss real-life challenges and solutions.
Diversity & Representation
- Features diverse cultures exploring universal themes of friendship, conflict.
- Showcases resilience and cooperation among varied backgrounds of characters.
- Promotes understanding and empathy across different cultural perspectives.
Book in series
#6
Age
10-13
Length
11 pages
Text complexity
proficient
Character Compass
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they encountered the Ghostfaces?
What would you have done differently if you were in the characters' shoes during their challenges?
What did you learn about friendship and teamwork from this story?
Can you think of a time when you had to overcome a fear, similar to the characters in the book?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today's world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' decisions, fostering empathy and critical thinking.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented in the story to help your child understand different perspectives.
Connect the book's themes to real-world examples to make the discussion relevant and engaging.
Ask your child to draw or write about their favorite scene to deepen their connection to the story.
Use praise to reinforce your child’s insights and perspectives, building their confidence in expressing their thoughts.
What parents love
Encourages emotional growth and resilience.
Perfect blend of adventure and historical facts.
Captivating story that keeps children engaged.
Educational yet incredibly fun to read.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The characters in 'The Ghostfaces' face numerous hardships and adversities but they never give up. Their steadfastness in overcoming obstacles showcases the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face challenges without giving up, understanding that persistence is key in overcoming difficulties in school and in life.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must work together to survive and navigate through dangerous situations, highlighting the significance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperating with others, whether in group projects at school or in team sports, to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The characters in the story often encounter different cultures and people, learning to understand and empathize with their situations and emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace diversity and show empathy towards friends and classmates from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: The young characters frequently confront their fears, demonstrating courage throughout their journey.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and understand that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in spite of it.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: As the characters deal with unexpected events and new environments, they learn to adapt, which is crucial for their survival.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to be flexible and adaptable in times of change, such as moving to a new school or dealing with changes at home.