The Luck of Troy (Puffin Classics)
Puffin modern classics Series
What’s inside...
This classic tale of ancient Greece concerns the son of Helen of Troy and his intervention in the war between Troy and Greece as he removes the 'Luck' from the temple. Nicostratus, the son of Helen and Menelaus, grows up in Troy, where he faces a conflict of loyalties when the Greeks are about to capture the city.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Nicostratus
Helen
Menelaus
Odysseus
Paris
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Helen to leave with Paris, and how do you think she felt about the consequences of her decision?
Discuss the roles of the gods in the story. How do their actions affect the human characters?
What qualities make a hero in 'The Luck of Troy'? Who do you think is the most heroic character and why?
How do the characters in the book show loyalty and bravery? Can you provide examples from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use the story's setting and time period to spark interest. Discuss the historical and mythological aspects of the Trojan War to provide context.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in the shoes of various characters, especially in critical moments of the story.
Highlight the moral decisions characters make, and ask your child what they would have done differently in those situations.
Discuss the consequences of actions taken by characters and relate them to everyday decisions and outcomes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: In 'The Luck of Troy', characters work together to overcome challenges, highlighting the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning how to cooperate with others to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Coping with adversity
Explanation: The story showcases characters facing and overcoming various hardships, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to remain persistent and optimistic despite difficulties in tasks such as learning new skills or resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Importance of strategic thinking
Explanation: Characters in the book often engage in strategic planning to navigate complex situations, emphasizing critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can use strategic thinking to make thoughtful decisions in games, academics, and personal interactions.
Example Lesson: Understanding diverse perspectives
Explanation: The book presents multiple viewpoints on the conflict, promoting empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in appreciating different perspectives in classroom discussions and in developing interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout 'The Luck of Troy', characters showcase determination in the face of daunting odds, underlining the virtue of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the importance of persisting in their efforts, whether it be in completing homework, practicing a sport, or learning a musical instrument.