The Quest for the Solar Stones
on Goodreads (113)
What’s inside...
Compelling and timely, award-winning author Elizabeth Rusch’s The Twenty-One tells the gripping inside story of the ongoing landmark federal climate change lawsuit, Juliana vs. United States of America. The book highlights the legal battle of twenty-one young plaintiffs against the U.S. government, accusing it of contributing to climate change through support of the fossil-fuel industry. The book provides a deep dive into the judicial system and the relationship between citizens’ rights, government, and the environment. It includes extensive backmatter, such as a timeline, glossary, call to action, additional resources, and photographs, making it a rich and informative read for those interested in environmental issues, youth activism, and law.
Age
13-17
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Solar Stones symbolize in the story?
How did the characters' journey change them by the end of the book?
What would you do if you were on a quest like the characters?
How do the friendships in the book impact the adventure?
What is one lesson you learned from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that encourage more than yes or no answers to foster deeper conversation.
Relate themes from the book to your child’s life, such as discussing a time they worked with friends to overcome a challenge.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, asking how they would feel or react in similar situations.
Discuss the growth of characters throughout the book to help children understand character development and empathy.
Praise your child for their thoughts and insights as they express them, reinforcing their confidence in expressing their opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout 'The Quest for the Solar Stones', the characters must work together to solve puzzles and overcome challenges. This cooperation is crucial to their success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or during extracurriculars, learning to cooperate and value different ideas and perspectives.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Leadership
Explanation: The protagonist, Mia, takes on a leadership role, making important decisions and accepting the consequences of her actions. Her journey teaches the importance of responsible leadership.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to take on more responsibilities at home, such as caring for a pet or leading a project, and understand the impact of their decisions.
Example Lesson: Persistence and Problem Solving
Explanation: Characters face numerous setbacks in their quest, but they persist and think critically to devise solutions. This highlights the importance of perseverance and creativity in problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children learn that not giving up and thinking outside the box can help them tackle homework challenges or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The story emphasizes the beauty and significance of the natural world, encouraging characters to protect it as they progress in their quest.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of environmental conservation and can encourage them to engage in recycling, conserving water, or learning more about nature.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The quest itself is driven by a thirst for knowledge about the mythical Solar Stones and the history of their world, showcasing the value of curiosity and continuous learning.
Real-World Application: This lesson can motivate children to explore new subjects, ask questions, and delve deeper into their studies, fostering a lifelong love of learning.