The Raven's Ring Pin
on Goodreads (23)
What’s inside...
Fifteen-year-old Samuel has just moved with his parents to Yellowstone's Geyser Inn. He has no friends, his on-line classes are too easy, and the TV has only one channel. Life basically stinks until one snowbound day when he decides to explore the attic. There, he finds a mysterious brooch and encounters two ravens named Rag and Thokk. The brooch, a ring pin engraved with runic symbols, allows Samuel to communicate with the ravens and serves as a portal to the ancient Norse world. Soon, the trio find themselves in a magical realm, caught in a battle among powerful Norse gods such as Thor, Aegir, and Loki. As they navigate this perilous world, Samuel is tasked with finding Thor's magical hammer, Mjollnir, and faces a challenge that will determine the fate of the gods themselves. However, the ring pin that brought them there can't—or won't—bring them back, leaving Samuel and his new companions to figure out their own way home.
Age
0-12
Length
324 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the raven symbolizes in the story?
How did you feel when the main character faced challenges? What would you do in their situation?
What lessons do you think the ring pin teaches about friendship and trust?
Can you think of a time when you had to solve a problem like the characters in the book?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in our neighborhood?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about ravens and rings to activate their prior knowledge.
Pause at tense moments in the story to predict what might happen next, encouraging your child to think critically.
After reading, connect themes of the book to real-life situations your child may encounter to enhance personal connections.
Discuss the character's decisions and actions in the book, and ask your child how they might have acted differently.
Encourage your child to draw or write a new ending to the story, fostering creativity and deeper understanding of the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist, Lucy, learns to take care of a magical ring that influences the happenings in her village. Her ability to manage this powerful item teaches children about being responsible.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by taking care of their personal belongings or tasks they are assigned, understanding the impacts their actions have on others around them.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Throughout her adventure, Lucy faces various challenges that she must overcome, demonstrating courage. This helps children understand the importance of facing fears and standing up for what is right.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be brave in difficult situations, whether that means standing up to a bully, trying out for a new activity, or defending a friend.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Lucy collaborates with friends and even unlikely allies to solve the mysteries surrounding the Raven's Ring. This illustrates the power and importance of working together towards a common goal.
Real-World Application: This highlights how collaboration with peers in school projects or family activities can lead to greater success and mutual benefit.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The book presents various puzzles and problems that Lucy and her companions need to solve. It encourages logical thinking and persistence.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach problems in school or everyday life situations with a thoughtful perspective and a determination to find solutions.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: In her journey, Lucy learns about the natural world around her and the importance of preserving it, as it plays a crucial role in the magic of the ring.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of environmental conservation and encourages them to explore and protect the nature around them.