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Igraine the Brave by Cornelia Funke

Summary

The daughter of two magicians, twelve-year-old Igraine wants nothing more than to be a knight, and when their castle is attacked by a treacherous neighbor bent on stealing their singing magic books, Igraine has an opportunity to demonstrate her bravery.

Booktalk

Igraine wants to be a famous knight. You know, win jousting tournaments, rescue people, and save the day! Unfortunately, life is pretty boring at Pimpernel Castle. See, her parents are two of the most talented magicians in the kingdom, and possessors of the Singing Books of Magic. With the books’ help, the castle is the most secure, and dullest place around. All Igraine does is practice her skills, dust the books twice a week, and scrap moss off the stone lions’ manes every week. Finally, on her 12th birthday, something happens. Greedy Osmund, nefarious nephew of the baroness-next-door, decides he wants the books. And just as he attacks, Igraine’s parents accidentally turn themselves into pigs! Will Igraine get her chance to prove herself a knight or will Osmund become the greatest magician in the kingdom?

212 pages, 3 grade and up

Discussion questions

Warning! Some of the questions contain key elements of the plot. Do not read if you don't want to know what happens!

  1. What was your favorite part of the book?
  2. Which character would you choose to be?
  3. Which would you rather learn –to be a knight or a magician?
  4. What was your favorite piece of magic performed in the book?
  5. What or who were some of the other people/creatures Igraine encountered while trying to save the day?
  6. Knights live by a code of chivalry. What rules of chivalry did Igraine learn?
  7. What rules of chivalry might we use today?
  8. What was the Sorrowful Knight’s real name?
  9. Igraine’s parents were very supportive of her wish to be a knight. Would most parents help their daughters become knights? Why or why not?
  10. What kind of a deed would you like to perform to be a hero?

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