The Underland: A Branches Book
#11 of 12 in The Last Firehawk Series
What’s inside...
Tag, Skyla, and Blaze must travel to a new land called The Underland to save Perodia. In this action-packed fantasy series, they encounter a new enemy, king rat named Skull. As part of Scholastic's Branches line aimed at newly independent readers, the books feature easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page to boost reading confidence. This fully illustrated series is a great introduction to fantasy and quest stories for younger readers.
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when they discovered The Underland? Can you relate to those feelings?
Why do you think the author chose an underground setting for this adventure?
How did the characters show bravery or teamwork in the story?
What is one thing you would do if you were in The Underland?
How do you think the story would change if it took place somewhere else?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the excitement and mystery of The Underland, enhancing the story’s atmosphere.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their interpretation of The Underland or a new invention that could be useful there.
Discuss your child's responses to the questions, sharing your thoughts and encouraging them to elaborate on their ideas.
Relate themes of the book to your child's real-life experiences, such as times they had to cooperate in a group or face a challenging situation.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next if the book had a sequel, or what they would change in the story, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist of 'The Underland' faces numerous challenges and obstacles throughout their journey, demonstrating bravery and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges head-on, understanding that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book often work together to solve problems and overcome hurdles, showcasing the power of collaboration and mutual support.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value cooperative work and shows them that teamwork can lead to achieving great things, fostering a spirit of cooperation in group activities at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: Respecting diversity
Explanation: The Underland is inhabited by various creatures, and the characters learn to respect and appreciate the differences among them.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by embracing diversity in their own lives, learning to respect people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters face various puzzles and dilemmas that they must think through and solve.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, useful in academic settings and everyday decisions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in overcoming failure
Explanation: When characters in the story face setbacks, they learn from their mistakes and try again, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence and resilience in personal growth and success, encouraging them to keep trying in the face of difficulties.