#4 in The Trials of Apollo Series
The Trials of Apollo: The Tyrant's Tomb
2019 by
on Goodreads (81,395)
What’s inside...
In the fourth installment of the Trials of Apollo series, Apollo, the Greek god of the sun, has been turned into a human and cast down from Olympus. Now named Lester, he must restore five ancient oracles and face a triumvirate of evil Roman emperors to regain his place among the gods. In this book, he and his companions face the challenge of the tomb of the tyrant.
Why read this book
- Engaging, mythological adventure enhances historical knowledge.
- Characters show resilience, teamwork, and growth.
- Strengthens reading skills and vocabulary through engaging narrative.
- Supports emotional and moral development.
The Big Picture
- Resilience through challenges
- Value of teamwork
- Importance of humility
- Navigating complex emotions
Diversity & Representation
- Features diverse mythical characters from various cultural backgrounds.
- Promotes multicultural understanding through mythological storytelling.
- Encourages inclusion with characters of different origins.
Book in series
#4
Age
10-14
Length
127 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
How do you think Apollo's experiences as a mortal change his understanding of humans?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and bravery from the characters in the story?
How does Apollo handle the challenges and threats he faces in the book? What would you have done differently?
In what ways do the characters in the book show loyalty to each other?
How do the themes of responsibility and leadership play out in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s characters and events. Ask them to relate Apollo's challenges to their own personal experiences. Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the characters and ask your child how they would handle similar situations. Highlight the growth of the characters throughout the story to foster conversations about personal development and resilience.
What parents love
Perfect blend of mythology and modern adventure.
Educational yet incredibly engaging story.
Addresses tough themes with care.
Kids loved the suspense and humor throughout.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'The Tyrant's Tomb', Apollo, despite losing his godly powers, must confront dangerous challenges and make daunting sacrifices. His journey exemplifies courage and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn that bravery isn’t about lacking fear, but facing difficulties head-on despite those fears. This can be applied in their daily challenges, such as trying out for a sports team or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Apollo relies on his companions to overcome various obstacles. This shows how teamwork can achieve goals that might seem impossible for an individual.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and foster teamwork in group activities at school, enabling them to achieve better outcomes together.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Apollo's reflective thoughts on his past arrogant behaviors as a god, and his attempts at redemption, highlight the importance of recognizing and learning from past mistakes.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of self-reflection and learning from errors to improve themselves, applicable in their academic and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Apollo’s transformation from a god to a mortal gives him a new perspective on human suffering and emotions, fostering empathy and deeper understanding.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of understanding others' feelings and situations, promoting empathy and kindness in their interactions with peers and family.
Example Lesson: Resilience in overcoming loss
Explanation: Characters in the book experience profound losses but continue to fight for their beliefs and protect others, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that despite experiencing loss or failure, perseverance and resilience can lead to overcoming these hurdles and growing stronger.