The Three Impossibles
on Goodreads (60)
What’s inside...
An enchanting, suspenseful story of a curious girl, a family curse, and impossible alchemy from the acclaimed author of School for Nobodies. Mim grew up surrounded by secrets. On the day she was born, her mother died and a strange curse was cast on her family. Ever since, she's been isolated in a dismal castle behind high walls, forbidden from venturing to the Outside. But Mim has never been able to stop asking questions. When her father hires a bogus governess, Madame Marionette – who brings along an entourage of thugs and a secret, caged ‘pet’ - Mim sets her enquiring mind to work on unraveling the mysteries all around her. Longing for a taste of freedom, she is willing to break all the rules to set out on an epic quest for the truth. But will it be enough to bring happiness back to the lonely castle?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
123 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think would be your impossible task and how would you try to solve it?
How do you feel about Mim’s journey to discover her family’s secrets?
Which character in the story do you relate to the most and why?
What does bravery mean to you, based on the challenges Mim faced?
How do you think the story would change if you were in Mim's place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage children to think critically about the characters’ decisions and the consequences of these actions.
Discuss the themes of bravery and resilience in the story and relate them to personal experiences or hypothetical situations.
Use open-ended questions that prompt thoughtful responses, allowing children to draw personal connections to the story’s themes.
Highlight moments in the book where characters show growth or learn lessons, and ask children what they can learn from those situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance through challenges
Explanation: In 'The Three Impossibles,' the protagonist faces seemingly impossible tasks but demonstrates resilience and determination to overcome them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through their challenges, whether in solving difficult puzzles, learning new skills or managing personal obstacles.
Example Lesson: Importance of creativity and thinking outside the box
Explanation: The main character utilizes unique, creative solutions to tackle the tasks at hand, showcasing the power of innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to apply creative problem-solving in school projects, play, and everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Value of self-belief and courage
Explanation: Throughout the journey, self-doubt is overcome by courage and self-belief, pivotal in achieving the 'impossible.'
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of believing in themselves when facing new activities or areas where they might initially lack confidence, such as public speaking or trying out for a sports team.
Example Lesson: Learning from failure
Explanation: The story highlights that failure is often a stepping stone to success and provides valuable lessons.
Real-World Application: This teaches children not to fear failure but to see it as a learning opportunity, essential for growth and improvement in studies and personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: Characters in the book come from diverse backgrounds and situations, promoting understanding and empathy.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be empathetic towards peers who may be different from them, fostering an inclusive environment at school or in social settings.