The Secret of Vesta
What’s inside...
Wicker Alabaster is a sixteen-year-old deified mortal with the weight of her people's safety on her shoulders. When a secret is exposed and a friend turns up dead, Wicker and her friend Pixel must confront an evil force terrorizing their world. As they journey through realms and uncover hidden powers and technologies, Wicker must protect her loved ones and save mankind. No ordinary teenager, Wicker Alabaster faces extraordinary challenges in her quest for justice and self-discovery.
Age
0-1
Length
464 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think is the biggest secret Vesta discovered in the story?
How did Vesta change from the beginning of the book to the end?
Why do you think friendship is important in Vesta's adventure?
If you were Vesta, what would you have done differently in the story?
What did you learn from Vesta's journey that you can apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their opinions and feelings to foster a deeper connection.
Discuss the character traits of Vesta and her friends, and ask your child which traits they admire or relate to.
Use examples from the book to talk about the importance of courage and resilience in overcoming challenges.
Connect the story's themes to real-life situations your child might encounter, helping them apply the lessons learned.
Promote empathy by discussing how different characters might have felt during key events in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and bravery
Explanation: In 'The Secret of Vesta,' the protagonist faces various challenges that require bravery to protect a magical secret.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of facing their fears and standing up for what they believe in, whether it’s in the playground or in making tough decisions.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters learn that working together makes them stronger and helps them overcome obstacles they couldn’t tackle alone.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of cooperating and valuing each person’s contribution in group tasks at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity and knowledge
Explanation: The protagonist's journey is ignited by her curiosity and her quest for knowledge about the magical elements of Vesta.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to seek knowledge and stay curious about the world around them, promoting lifelong learning and intellectual engagement.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature and its mysteries
Explanation: The story emphasizes the beauty and power of the natural world and the need to protect and respect it.
Real-World Application: Instills an appreciation for the environment, encouraging activities like recycling, conservation, and nature exploration.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Characters in 'The Secret of Vesta' demonstrate persistent efforts despite difficulties, ultimately leading to success.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that persisting through challenges, whether in completing a tough homework assignment or learning a new skill, is crucial to achieving goals.