July 17, 2017
 
  New Release: Author Note, Book Giveaway, and More

 
 

       
 


Dear Readers, 
 
In this issue, you'll meet Serafina, the daring, brave heroine of the New York Times bestselling historical adventure series, as she and her friend Braeden, a boy with powers of his own, work to conquer a storm of sinister forces that split Serafina away from everyone she comes to love.

Happy reading and enjoy the summer,      
 
Judy Gelman and Vicki Levy Krupp
 

Block2Neptune
 
Ages 10 and up / Middle Grade/YA Historical Mystery / Disney-Hyperion

Win a copy of SERAFINA AND THE SPLINTERED HEART.  Enter to win by emailing the author (write "KidsBookclubbing" in the subject line). 
 
Dear Readers,

It's one of the great honors in my life that I can write the story of an extraordinary young heroine not only FOR my daughters, but also WITH them. It's not just my way of teaching them, but LEARNING from them as they grow into the people they are becoming.
 
I've written each of the Serafina novels with my three daughters, who help me outline the story, develop the characters, and refine the words. They are active and enthusiastic co-creators as we explore the grand corridors of Biltmore Estate together or climb up into the rugged beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains where the story takes place.
 
SERAFINA AND THE SPLINTERED HEART,  the third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, continues the dark and mysterious story of Serafina, a brave and unusual cat-like girl who prowls the shadowed corridors of Biltmore Estate amidst the splendor of the Gilded Age. Her relationship with her best friend Braeden Vanderbilt, a boy with powers of his own, is put to the test when a storm of sinister forces splits Serafina away from everyone she has come to love. Can she harness her powers to conquer it before it's too late?
 
I can't wait for you to read the new story.
 
Robert Beatty
Asheville, North Carolina
 
Book reviews:

#1 New York Times Bestseller (Serafina and the Black Cloak and Serafina and the Twisted Staff)
 
"[Serafina] delivers nonstop thrills from beginning to end."
 
- Kirkus Reviews, starred review 
 
"Captivating."
- School Library Journal

"Beatty has created original story lines with a unique heroine, colorful background, strong characters, and plenty of surprises."
- Geekdad
 
Discussion questions:
 
1.    Much of the story in SERAFINA AND THE SPLINTERED HEART is about why and how people change. In what ways do the major characters of the book change over the course of the book? If you have read books 1 and 2, how do these characters change over the whole series?
 
2.    The book suggests that while people can change, some aspect of them stays the same. In the last chapter, this is referred to as the "inner spirit." What stays the same about the major characters? How would you describe the "inner spirit" of each character? Do you think there is something essential about a person that doesn't change?
 
3.    Rowena is a character that changes a lot in the book and over the course of the whole series. Why does Rowena change so much? What predictions can you make about what Rowena will be like in the future? Could she turn to evil again? Why or why not?
 
4.    One theme of the book is the power and nature of friendship. What do Serafina and Rowena learn about friendship over the course of the book? What does the book suggest true friendship is? How would you define true friendship?
 
5.    Serafina has to discover new powers when she no longer has her old ones. Eventually she realizes that "if I can do even the smallest thing, then I am a powerful being" (page 100). What are some examples of small actions that have large effects?
 
6.    Serafina has always been a fighter, but in this book, she has to learn "that sometimes the key to survival wasn't resisting, but giving in" (page 90). What examples are in the book of Serafina and other characters learning how and when to give in instead of resist? How can you tell when it's time to resist in a situation, and when it's better to give in?
 
7.    Through much of the book, Serafina is trying to find her way home to her family. What does "home" mean to Serafina? What does "family" mean to her? Who is in her family by the end of the book?
 
8. Serafina feels anxious that so much has changed in her world, and is always changing. How does she learn to manage her feelings about change? How do you manage your feelings about change?
 
To watch the cinematic book trailer, full of period costumes amidst the splendor of the Gilded Age and shot at the Biltmore Estate, visit the author's website. And to read the first three chapters and learn more about SERAFINA AND THE SPLINTERED HEART as well as the series, click here.
 
Author call-in information:  Robert Beatty is available to call-in to or Skype with your club.  He can also meet with your group if you live in the Asheville, North Carolina area. Email the author  to submit your request.
 

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