The Swifts: A Gallery of Rogues
#2 of 2 in The Swifts Series
What’s inside...
An instant New York Times bestseller and sequel to The Swifts, this gothic mystery follows Shenanigan Swift as she tries to catch the infamous criminal gang Ouvolpo, who targeted her home and stole a valuable painting. The chase leads her to Paris and her eccentric French cousins, the Martinets, who have been at odds for centuries. When a murder coincides with Ouvolpo's robbery, the family must unite to solve the mystery, uncovering century-old secrets and facing internal family strife along the way. The Swifts was previously awarded the 2023 Nero Children’s Fiction Award and the Barnes & Noble Children's Book Award, and was nominated for the Carnegie Medal.
Discussion points
What do you think motivates each of the Swift family members to become rogues?
How do the characters' actions affect those around them in the story?
If you could give advice to one of the Swifts, what would it be and why?
What do you think is the most important lesson the Swifts learned by the end of the book?
How would you have handled the situations differently if you were a character in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the motives behind each character's actions by asking them to put themselves in the character's shoes.
Discuss the consequences of the characters’ actions, both good and bad, to deepen the child's understanding of moral and ethical dilemmas.
Prompt your child to think about personal advice they would offer to the characters to help them navigate their challenges.
Explore the lessons learned by the characters and relate them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Encourage creative thinking by asking your child how they would resolve conflicts differently if they were in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Honesty
Explanation: The story illustrates the consequences that the Swifts face due to their deceptive behaviors, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of being honest in their daily interactions and the negative outcomes that can arise from lying.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters must work together to navigate through various challenges, showcasing how collaboration can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of cooperation and working with others to achieve common goals, whether in school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The characters in the book learn to take responsibility for their actions and the effects these actions have on others, highlighted through the narrative's plot twists.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to take accountability for their actions and understand their impact on those around them.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The Swifts face numerous setbacks but show perseverance, demonstrating the lesson of resilience and never giving up despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persevere in the face of challenges, be it in their studies, relationships, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Justice
Explanation: The book portrays the benefits of fair play and the repercussions of unfair advantages, reinforcing the notion of justice.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of fairness in their interactions and helps them understand why equity is crucial in society.