The Star Host
Broken Moon Series
on Goodreads (3,370)
What’s inside...
Ren grows up working the family farm and battling invaders in his spare time. But when he is taken prisoner by the people he fought against, he discovers that he has the rare power to control stars and that the invaders have a different view of the war. A skeptic and a supernatural creature get more than they bargain for when they make a crossroads deal to save themselves. Ellery doesn’t believe in magic and is more concerned with working hard to send money back to the family farm. However, they are stuck in a five-year winter that could be ended with magical intervention. Knox, a supernatural familiar trapped in the human realm, needs a human to tether him to their realm in order to stay. Together, Ellery and Knox enter into a crossroads deal, hoping to achieve their individual goals.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-14
Length
349 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ren
Asher
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when they discovered their unique abilities?
How do you think the star host's journey changed them by the end of the story?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a tough decision like the protagonist?
What would you do if you were in the main character's place at key moments in the book?
How does the relationship between the characters evolve throughout the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize pauses after reading significant passages to ask your child how they might feel in similar situations.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the story and their personal experiences or challenges.
Discuss the motivations behind characters' actions to deepen understanding of cause and effect.
Promote empathy by asking how your child thinks various characters felt during pivotal events.
Relate the story's themes or morals to real-life scenarios in your child’s world to enhance comprehension and retention.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The protagonist in 'The Star Host' learns to relate to and understand people from different backgrounds, fostering a sense of empathy and connection.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to listen and appreciate diverse viewpoints among classmates and friends, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Courage in Adversity
Explanation: The story showcases characters facing challenges bravely, demonstrating the importance of courage when confronted with difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Kids can embrace this trait by tackling their own challenges, such as standing up to bullying or trying new activities despite fears.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout 'The Star Host', the bonds of friendship provide support and strength to the characters as they navigate their journey.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of building and maintaining friendships in real life, which can offer emotional support and build social skills.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The characters in the book often encounter obstacles that require creative thinking and problem-solving to overcome.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply similar skills when faced with their own day-to-day problems, enhancing their critical thinking abilities.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptability
Explanation: The Star Host's characters frequently adapt to new environments and recover from setbacks, highlighting resilience.
Real-World Application: This is crucial for kids as they learn to bounce back from their own setbacks, such as poor grades or social disagreements, and adapt to changes like moving to a new school.