Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor
#1 of 2 in Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor Series
on Goodreads (4,398)
What’s inside...
When 11-year-old April joins a group of kids living at Winterborne Home, she discovers the secret of Gabriel Winterborne, who was thought to be dead but is actually living in a basement lair. As a new danger threatens Gabriel, April and the other orphans must use their talents to protect their home and uncover the mysteries surrounding a missing heir, a supposed phantom, and a secret key. In this thrilling and heart-wrenching tale of found family and mystery, nothing at Winterborne Home is as it seems, and the orphans must navigate a world of secrets without alerting the adults.
Discussion points
What do you think makes April so determined to find answers about her past? How would you feel in her situation?
The concept of 'family' is essential in the story. What do you think makes a group of people a family?
How do the characters in the book show courage and teamwork? Can you share an example from your own life where you worked with others to overcome a challenge?
What would you do if you had a mystery to solve like April and her friends? How would you start?
Why is it important to stand up for what is right, even when it's difficult, as seen in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by sharing your thoughts on the book and its themes. This shows your child that you're also invested in the story.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters and their actions, linking them to similar personal experiences or feelings.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to dig deeper into their understanding and perspective.
Highlight the moral lessons in the story, and relate them to everyday life situations to reinforce the values discussed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor', the protagonist, April, works together with other children in the orphanage to unravel mysteries surrounding their benefactor. They learn to collaborate and leverage each other's strengths to solve problems.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities where cooperation is key. Whether it's sports, school projects, or family tasks, understanding and valuing teamwork can lead to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront challenges
Explanation: Throughout the book, April and her friends face various dangers and uncertainties as they explore hidden secrets. Their bravery in confronting these challenges head-on is a critical theme.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to face their own fears and difficulties, whether it's trying out for a new sport, standing up against a bully, or dealing with a tough academic subject.
Example Lesson: The significance of belonging and identity
Explanation: April's quest to discover more about her family and where she comes from highlights the themes of identity and belonging. This journey provides her with a sense of self and a place in the world.
Real-World Application: Children can reflect on what makes them unique and appreciate the various communities they are part of. Understanding their identity can boost their confidence and help them navigate social environments.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The characters frequently encounter setbacks and have to adapt to new situations, demonstrating resilience throughout the narrative.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance even when faced with difficulties. It encourages them not to give up easily and to view failures as stepping stones to success.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: As April interacts with other children from different backgrounds, they learn to understand and empathize with each other’s stories and feelings.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial in helping children develop empathy. It can encourage them to listen actively to their peers and to try to understand situations from others' perspectives.