The Wings of a Falcon
#3 of 6 in Tales Of The Kingdom Series
on Goodreads (1,422)
What’s inside...
Oriel, a remarkable young boy taken into captivity as an infant by the cruel Damall, decides to escape from his life of hardship and betrayal. With only a falcon-engraved gemstone as a guide, he traverses the world in search of the Kingdom that is his destiny, learning lessons about love, politics, and survival. Along the way, he is joined by Griff, his loyal companion who admires Oriel's resilience and courage. Together they navigate the challenges of their journey. The author of this story has previously won the Newbery Award for 'Dicey's Song'.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Oriel to embark on his journey? How do those reasons connect to choices we make in our own lives?
How did the relationships between characters change throughout the story? What do you think these changes say about trust and friendship?
If you had a chance to give advice to any character at any point in the book, whom would you advise and what would you say?
What lessons do you think we can learn about courage and fear from the characters' adventures?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today's world? Which aspects would be different and which would be the same?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting a discussion, let your child explain their favorite parts of the book. This can provide insights into what stood out to them and can lead to more meaningful conversations.
Encourage your child to compare the characters’ decisions with what they might do in a similar situation. Such comparisons can help deepen their understanding of the book and themselves.
Use the open-ended questions to explore the themes of the book like bravery, friendship, and personal growth, connecting them back to your child’s experiences.
Reflect on the outcomes of the story together, discussing whether they agree or disagree with the resolutions and why.
Create a comfortable and distraction-free environment for these discussions to make them engaging and fruitful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous challenges but continually pushes forward, never giving up on his quest.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by not giving up easily when faced with difficulty, whether in academics, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Friendship and loyalty
Explanation: Characters in the story demonstrate strong bonds and support for each other, emphasizing the importance of reliable friendships.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of supporting their friends and being a dependable friend in their own social circles.
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: The main characters often have to make tough decisions and face fears to achieve their goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears and stand up for what is right, even when it’s difficult.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and leadership
Explanation: The protagonist takes charge in critical situations, showing effective leadership.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take responsibility in group activities and to lead by example in their own communities.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery and personal growth
Explanation: Throughout the adventures, characters learn more about themselves and grow from their experiences.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to explore their own strengths and weaknesses through personal experiences and grow from them.