The Storyteller
What’s inside...
This story follows a teenage girl named Jess Morgan as she delves into the mysterious past of her great aunt Anna, who she suspects may be the long-lost Russian princess Anastasia. After finding her late aunt's diaries, Jess, tired of living to please others, is inspired to discover her own truth. With the aid of Evan, a charming college student, Jess investigates this century-old mystery, only to find that the biggest revelation is her own identity. This journey of self-discovery highlights the importance of writing one's own story, echoing the hidden life of Aunt Anna, who might have been the famously resilient princess who survived her assassination attempt.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-17
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the main character's journey? How did it make you feel?
Can you think of a time when you told a story to someone? How did it change the way they felt or reacted?
What was your favorite part of the story and why?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our town?
If you could add another character to the story, who would it be and what role would they play?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, boosting their empathy and understanding.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking and connection to the themes in the book.
Create a comfortable reading environment that allows for pauses to discuss interesting points or confusing moments.
Use expressive reading techniques, changing your tone and pace, to make the story more engaging and bring characters to life.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book, helping them express their understanding and perspective artistically.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: The main character in the story learns the value of being truthful after facing consequences for telling lies.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding that honesty builds trust and can prevent misunderstandings.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: Throughout the story, the main character interacts with diverse characters and learns to understand their feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate the differences in others and practice empathy in their daily interactions at school or in the playground.
Example Lesson: The power of perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces various challenges but continues to strive towards their goals, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to not give up easily on their tasks, be it in academics, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: The joy of sharing
Explanation: The story shows how characters find happiness in sharing their possessions and thoughts with friends.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to share their toys, snacks, or even ideas with their peers, fostering a sense of community and friendship.