The Shadow Returns: A Branches Book
#12 of 12 in The Last Firehawk Series
What’s inside...
Tag's greatest enemy, The Shadow, has returned to Perodia, bringing with him Skull and his evil army of rats. They are now hiding and planning their next move. Tag, Skyla, and Blaze must quickly find The Shadow to prevent it from turning the creatures of Valor Wood into its army of spies. Meanwhile, their friend Bod is trapped in the Underland. The friends face a race against time to rescue Bod and combat The Shadow's growing dark magic. This action-packed series, part of Scholastic's Branches line, provides an engaging introduction to fantasy for newly independent readers.
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when the shadow returned? Can you share a time you felt the same?
What would you have done if you were in the main character's shoes when facing the shadow?
The story shows various ways to handle fear. Which way do you think was the most effective and why?
How important do you think teamwork was in dealing with the shadow?
What did you learn from the book that you can use in your own experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the scenes to life, which can help your child connect emotionally with the characters.
Pause after dramatic moments to allow your child to absorb the situation and express their thoughts or predictions on what might happen next.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the book’s events and real-life situations they might encounter, enhancing their empathy and understanding.
Discuss the character's problem-solving techniques to reinforce critical thinking skills in your child.
After finishing the book, consider role-playing some scenes with your child to deepen their understanding and retention of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters face challenges and threats bravely, showing resilience throughout their adventures.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of standing up for themselves and overcoming fears, which helps them tackle new challenges in school and life.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The characters often collaborate, combining their strengths to solve problems and defeat villains.
Real-World Application: This story encourages kids to work cooperatively with others, promoting effective communication and mutual respect among peers.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The book highlights how choices made by characters lead to certain outcomes, teaching responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to their own lives by understanding how their decisions affect themselves and others around them.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters show compassion towards others, understanding different perspectives.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to empathize with peers, enhancing social interactions and emotional intelligence.