The Secret Message
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
In the attic of his house, Sam finds a leather case that belonged to his great great grandfather, Freddy Ovel. Inside the case is a diary that transports Sam back to just before the First World War when Freddy was a boy. As Sam reads the diary, he discovers a photograph showing Freddy as his exact double at the same age. Beyond recounting the events of the war, the diary reveals Freddy's heroic deeds, terrible injuries, and dark secrets. The Secret Message, part of the Cold Fusion series by Ransom Publishing, is designed for able readers aged 9-12 with a reading age of 12+. It challenges gifted and talented children to think outside the box and provides a deeper understanding of history and human experiences during the war.
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when they discovered the secret message?
How would you use a secret message to help a friend?
What do you think is the most important lesson from the story?
If you could ask any character in the book a question, who would you choose and what would you ask?
Can you think of a time when you kept a secret to protect someone's feelings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of the characters. Ask them how they would feel and react in similar situations. Highlight the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives. Use examples from the book to discuss real-life applications of honesty and secrecy. Praise their insights to boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity
Explanation: In 'The Secret Message', the protagonist's quest to uncover the hidden meaning drives the narrative, showing how curiosity leads to discovery and learning.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to ask questions and explore topics they're interested in, which can bolster learning and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: The character faces several challenges but continues to search for the secret message, demonstrating that persistence is key to overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of persisting with their tasks or studies even when they encounter difficulties.
Example Lesson: Understanding and interpreting symbols
Explanation: The book revolves around deciphering a code, which teaches children about symbols and their meanings.
Real-World Application: Kids can use this skill to engage with abstract concepts in subjects like math and language arts, enhancing their academic abilities.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and teamwork
Explanation: To unlock the secret message, characters in the book must work together, highlighting the power of collaborative effort.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in team activities that require cooperation, such as group projects or community events.
Example Lesson: Respect for secrets and privacy
Explanation: As the characters come to understand the weight of the revealed message, they also learn about the importance of respecting others' privacy and secrets.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of personal boundaries and respecting others' confidential information in their daily interactions.