The Sun and the Star
#1 in The Nico di Angelo Adventures Series
on Goodreads (48,631)
What’s inside...
The Sun and the Star follows Nico Di Angelo, son of Hades, and his boyfriend Will Solace, son of the sun god Apollo, as they embark on a thrilling adventure into the depths of Tartarus. They face numerous challenges and confront their deepest fears in order to rescue the titan Bob, who has called for their help. Along the way, they must navigate prophecies, battle nightmarish monsters, and test their relationship to its limits. This unique collaboration between authors Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro continues the narrative after The Trials of Apollo, exploring themes of identity, sacrifice, and the power of partnership.
Discussion points
What do you think the Sun and the Star learn about each other by the end of the story?
How would you feel if you were the Sun trying to shine bright every day?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and it made you feel happy, just like the Star?
What do you think is the most important message the author is trying to tell us through this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for each character to make the story more vivid and engaging.
Pause after key moments in the book to ask your child how they think the characters are feeling.
Relate the story’s themes to your child’s life by comparing the Sun and the Star's experiences with their day-to-day activities.
Encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite part of the story. This helps deepen their understanding and appreciation of the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The story emphasizes the value of companionship between the Sun and the Star as they journey through various challenges, demonstrating how crucial support and understanding are in any relationship.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to nurture their friendships, understand the value of being there for others, and how to work together to overcome difficulties.
Example Lesson: Embracing individuality
Explanation: Both celestial characters have unique traits that help them shine in their own way. The narrative conveys that each being's differences contribute positively to the world.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate their own uniqueness and encourages them to accept differences in others, promoting diversity and self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through challenges
Explanation: The Sun and the Star face several obstacles but by remaining determined, they manage to overcome them. This aspect of the story showcases the power of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by not giving up easily when faced with challenges, be it in their academics, sports, or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: As the Sun and the Star make mistakes, they learn from them, which helps in their personal growth throughout the story.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of viewing mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth, rather than as failures.