The Youngest Templar: Orphan of Destiny

TEACHERS:  If you're looking for high adventure for reluctant readers look no further!  The guides to the entire series are on this blog, too! Enjoy!  -TVZ


The Youngest Templar: Orphan of Destiny
Book Three
by Michael P. Spradlin

About the book:
Tristan and his companions—the fiery archer Robard Hode and the assassin maid Maryam—have escaped to England. But tragedy has occurred at Tristan's beloved abbey while he was away, and Robard's home in Sherwood Forest suffers under the rule of the Sheriff of Nottingham. Many obstacles still prevent them from delivering the Holy Grail into safe hands. Tristan must defeat the evil Sir Hugh in one final battle. And he must learn the secret of his birth, a secret Richard the Lionheart and Eleanor of Aquitaine are willing to kill to protect!.

Praise for the series:
“This is a winner!”- KLIATT, starred review
“[A] stirring saga” – Booklist
“[M]emorable.” – The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Brilliant” and “Riveting” School Library Journal

About the author:
In addition to penning the international bestselling Youngest Templar trilogy, Michael P. Spradlin is also the author of the Spy Goddess novels and several picture books. He lives for the day he can become a full-time writer. He was born in a small town in Michigan and grew up with a healthy and natural suspicion of all Hoosiers and Buckeyes. When he is not writing, he travels the world in his fully automated yacht, aboard which he enjoys cooking, water skiing and plotting Total World Domination. He’s just kidding about that last part. He really doesn’t enjoy water skiing.

Author Interview:

1.Did you map out the entire series from the beginning or did fate play a hand in any of the writing?

I use what I call the “Umbrella Approach.” I sort of know where the story starts and ends in a general way, but I then let the characters take over and tell the rest. It’s much better for me that way. A perfect example is the character Robard. Originally, I thought he and Tristan would meet briefly in Book One, then reconnect in Book Three. But the moment he stepped on the page he was so forceful he demanded to stay. And the series is so much the richer for it.


2.What have you learned about writing while creating this riveting series?

I hope I’ve improved as a writer from book to book and as always I’ve discovered that my characters are always oh so much smarter than me.


3.What can your fans look forward to next?

My next book is called The Raven’s Shadow. It takes place in Washington DC in 1825 and features a teenage Charles Darwin, Edgar Allan Poe and Abraham Lincoln who must team up and save the world from an ancient evil the world will someday come to know as Count Dracula.

Pre-reading:

Brainstorm a list of everything a reader should know or remember about Tristan, our young hero, and his companions Robard and Maryam. At the end of each chapter make a prediction about what you think will happen next and why.

Discussion guide:

1.Who is speaking in the prologue? Why is he struggling? What are his problems and conflicts?
2.In the opening chapter Maryam is set to hang in the gallows. What happens? Why does the Queen offer a threat to Tristan? Do you believe her?
3.What happens to Tristan in Calais? Have you ever suffered a serious injury? What can be the effects? How does it change their journey throughout the novel?
4.In chapter three Tristan is delirious with pain and fever. What images appear to him? Who are Tristan’s enemies? Why do they want to stop him?
5.Where do the heroes finally land? Why does this make Robard so happy? Where are you happiest?
6.How has Dover changed from when Tristan was there last? What do you think happened to this thriving town?
7.What does Robard believe Tristan should do with Sir Hugh? Do you think his opinion is justified or not?
8.The troupe generally follows Tristan’s decisions. Would you? With whom do you agree with in the story: Tristan? Robard? or Maryam? In a battle whom would you want by your side? Why?
9.How is Tristan  able to turn the people of Dover against Sir Hugh and company?
10. What would Sir Hugh do with the Holy Grail? In modern times, is there an equivalent to this type of power? How is power wielded between nations and factions in modern countries?
11. Who is Little John? How do they come across him? Why does Robard object to him at first? How does he gain his trust and prove his worth?
12.Maryam tells Tristan concerning his feelings for Celia, “ You don’t choose love, Tristan, love chooses you.” (p.91) Do you agree? Does it seem that who we end up loving is somehow not quite under our own control?
13.Describe what Tristan discovers at St. Albans. What and who are left? What does he learn of his heritage?
14. Does he believe he could actually be from nobility? Who would be his father? How does this explain some of the troubles he has faced?
15. Describe the long journey to Robard’s home.  How does it compare to a long journey you’ve taken?
16. Explain why the trio makes friends with bandits. How did they turn to this lifestyle? What would it take to turn you into a bandit?
17. How is Robard’s early life not exactly as he described it? What has happened in his absence? Would you react more like Tristan or Robard? Why does Robard knock Tristan unconscious?
18. How does Tristan handle the situation with Shire Reeve? What does Robard do for his countrymen? How does this gain their loyalty?
19. How does Robard decide is the only long-term way to defeat the Shire and others like him? How does he ask for Tristan’s help? Predict how he will help others in the future (from what you have read in other books or films)?
20.List the steps Robard and Tristan design to defeat the Shire Reeve in the forest. What do they use to defeat them? Why do the people of Sherwood come to fight?
21.Why do Robard and Maryam insist on accompanying Tristan all the way to Rosslyn? To whom would you make this type of oath, if anyone? Why?
22.Describe their journey to Scotland. What does Robard discover after his tutoring? How do the locals treat them?
23. When they finally reach Rosslyn, what discoveries does Tristan make? Why must he finally face Sir Hugh?
24.Describe the final battle between Tristan and Sir Hugh. How does he deal with his nemesis? In the end, is his quest successful?
25. Discuss the ending: what are the heroes plans for the future? Where does Tristan decide he must go? Predict what he will be doing in five years.

Projects:

Language Arts:
Write three letters as you read the novel. One as Tristan (to Celia, perhaps?) as Robard (to his mother?) and Maryam (to a sister or cousin at home?) about what they have seen and discovered.

Reading:
Good readers always make predictions as they read about what they think will happen next. Predictions are not just grabbed from the air but are based on what they know about story, clues from the book itself, and what they know about the genre they’re reading. At the end of each chapter, write a prediction based on the evidence. Use page numbers to support your predictions. Remember: predictions are often wrong! Readers love to be wrong!

Art:
Design a movie poster, which is based off the series.

or

Draw, paint or sculpt your favorite scene from this novel or the other two Templar books.

History:
Research one of these topics from the novel: English history, Robin Hood, The Knights Templar, Scottish clan history, Holy Grail, the crusades, medicine in the middle ages, etc.


Guide created by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

The Youngest Templar

The Youngest Templar

Keeper of the Grail

Book One

 by Michael P. Spradlin

About the book:

A young squire of the Knights Templar with a heritage shrouded in mystery. A war-weary King’s Archer returning to his home in Sherwood Forest. A deadly Al Hashshashin warrior, an assassin, who also happens to be a girl. Pursued by Saracens, corrupt knights, and secret agents of Richard the Lionheart,  can they escape the Holy Land and protect the most sacred relic in all Christendom…the Holy Grail?

About the author:

Michael P. Spradlin is the author of more than a dozen books for children, some of which have actually been published. He grew up in a small town in Michigan not far from the Indiana border, which may explain his irrational fear of Hoosiers. (Both the inhabitants of the state of Indiana and the movie starring Gene Hackman).

Surrounded by books in his formative years, he grew up loving to read, imagining himself the hero of numerous epic battles and indulging in his favorite pastime, which was smuggling fireworks across the Ohio border so that he could blow up his collection of Plastic Green Army Men and Matchbox Cars.

Author Interview:

     What inspired you to write this epic adventure novel?

I always try to write the kind of books I love to read myself. I really enjoy epic, sweeping yarns where the heroes are facing impossible odds, yet triumph by their friendship, their love for one another and their inability to accept defeat.

 

I’ve loved the Crusades and this particular period of history since I was a small boy. Some of my favorite books were about Robin Hood and Richard the Lionheart and the other heroes of the time. When I began writing, I just knew I had to set a novel or series there.

 

     How much research did you do to make the book feel authentic?

A lot. A couple of years worth at least. Really since I’ve read so much about the Crusades over my lifetime you could say I’ve been researching this book my entire life. I’ve loved delving into the Knights Templar. They are a fascinating story in and of themselves.

 

The thing about research, especially in historical fiction, is that it can’t come at the expense of the story. Most of the research that I did never ended up in the book. The characters are what matters in a novel, at least to me. If they don’t work, then all the research in the world won’t matter.

 

      When will Book Two come out?

Look for The Youngest Templar: Trail of Fate, in Fall of 2009!

Pre-reading:

Read the prologue. Determine and discuss the main character and his quest. Predict why you think this duty has become a curse.

1. After reading chapter one create a list of all the facts you know about Tristan.
2. Compare Tristan’s life iat St. Albans to his new life in Dover. Why do you think Sir Thomas chose Tristan? Would you have accepted the offer made by Sir Thomas?
3. Who are Tristan’s enemies in the story? How are some who should be allies his enemies, and some enemies, his ally? Can you predict the difference as you read? What about in real life?
4. Do you think Sir Hugh despises Tristan for the initial incident with his horse or for something else? What evidence do you have? how is Sir Hugh’s character revealed throughout the novel?
5. Describe what Tristan’s role is in the battle in the Outremer. How does he act beyond his duties? Despite their success Tristan feels no glory. Why? How is he rewarded for his deed toward the king?
6. “The fighting usually starts when the talking ends. It lasts until the men grow weary of the fighting and seek to talk again.” (p. 106) Is this still true with world conflicts today? Do you think it is “what men must do?” Is war ever necessary and justified?
7. Describe what happens in the city siege of Acre. Why does Sir Thomas send young Tristan off with his sword? What do you think happened to the knights who stayed? What is Tristan’s duty and quest?
8. List the events that happened along the road to Tyre. Who are Tristan’s constant companions on this leg of his journey? How is the assassin not what they expect?
9. How is Tristan aided by the grail along his journey? Does he begin to believe in the importance of the relic?
10. How is Tristan treated in Tyre? How does he escape? Why do you think he decided to bury the grail rather than carry it into the headquarters of the Templar? How did this prove to be wise?
11. Explain how the assassin ends up on the vessel to England. Do you think the assassin will be safe in an English country? What do you think will become of the trio? Do you believe they will finish the quest together?
12. Which part of the novel was your favorite? What can you learn from Spradlin’s story that you can use in the creation of your own stories? What makes a story great?

Projects:

Writing:

Create a reader’s theater script from a scene from the novel and act it out for your classmates. Be true to the characters and the plot but don’t give away any spoilers so the audience will still want to read the story!

Reading:

Good readers stay connected to a story by making predictions about what might happen next. They base these predictions on evidence from the story, the motivations of the main character and minor characters and by thinking about the genre of the story. At the end of each chapter create a prediction in the form of  a question that you hope is answered in the following chapter. Ex: I wonder if the Knights Templar have anything to do with the note left in Tristan’s blankets?

History:

Research the historical crusades. What precipitated this war? Who battled against each other? What were they fighting for exactly? In the end, how did it change world history?

-or-

“Symbols can make human beings behave in less than honorable ways.” (Prologue) What symbols are most important in your family? religion? country? school? Have people ever fought over these symbols? To what end?

Art:

Design a map, sword, costume or setting for the movie adaptation of the novel. You can use any materials you like to bring your imagination to life!

-or-

Design your own flag, banner, or shield to represent you and your family. Choose symbolic colors and objects to represent your heritage and beliefs.

Daniel Boone's Great Escape

Daniel Boone’s Great Escape

by Michael P. Spradlin

Illustrated by Ard Hoyt

 About the book:

While out hunting buffalo one day in 1778, the great frontiersman Daniel Boone was captured by powerful Shawnee warriors who were enraged by settlers’ murder of their chief when he had tried to broker a truce. Though he was eventually adopted by the Shawnee and grew accustomed to their way of life, Boone was constantly concerned about the safety of his family and friends. So when he heard that the Shawnee were preparing to attack the settlers in an attempt to regain their land, Boone decided to escape. Over four long days, he navigated the harsh Kentucky landscape—traveling 160 miles—never looking back but knowing that the angry warriors were in hot pursuit. This little-known episode from the life of one our most famous Western heroes provides a balanced look at a difficult time in our history through a stunning act of courage that will keep young readers on the edge of their seats.

Michael P. Spradlin

is the author of numerous books for young readers including Texas Rangers: Legendary Lawmen, the Spy Goddess series, and the Youngest Templar trilogy. He lives with his family in Lapeer, Michigan, and like Daniel Boone, he won’t ever admit to being lost (though he will say he was mighty bewildered once for three days). Visit him on the Web at www.michaelspradlin.com

Ard Hoyt

is the illustrator of the New York Times bestseller I’m a Manatee by John Lithgow, among many other books. He grew up exploring the woods and fields not far from Chillicothe, Ohio, where Boone was held captive by the Shawnee long ago. This is his first nonfiction book—and proof that truth really can be better than fiction. Ard was honored to tell this story in pictures with his good friend, Mike Spradlin.

Pre-reading:

Brainstorm everything you know about Daniel Boone and what it was like to be a pioneer during his time.

Discussion Guide:

1. Why was Daniel Boone leading men to the Licking River? Why was their mission so important?
2. How did Boone first try to escape from the Shawnee warriors? Did it work? Why?
3. Why were the Shawnee so angry with Kentucky settlers? What compromise did Boone make with Chief Blackfish? Have you ever made a compromise with someone?
4. What was the gauntlet? Why did Boone have to run it but not any of the other men? What was the result?
5. Explain how Boone planned his escape from the Shawnee. What do you think was the most important part of his plan? Would you be willing to take such a risk?
6. What did Daniel Boone do for food and shelter during his escape?
7. Why do you think the Shawnee decided to pursue him? Can one person be really that important? Why?
8. Which part of his journey was the most dangerous? Why? Have you ever been in the wilderness by yourself? What was it like?
9. How long did it take Boone to reach Boonesborough? Who did he find? Did he accomplish his task or not?
10. Which illustration is your favorite? Why? Why do you think Ard Hoyt used the colors and style of illustration that he did?

 Projects:

Language Arts:

Create a board game based on Daniel Boone’s Great Escape. Use incidences from the book to create obstacles, challenges and rewards. Decorate your board with illustrations you create inspired by the text.

Math:

Create a map of Boone’s escape from Old Chillicothe, Ohio to Boonesborough, Kentucky. Calculate how many miles Boone must have traveled each day to reach the settlement in four days. Calculate how many miles per hour most people can run and whether he exceeded that number.

History:

Research another great American figure from America’s early days including Native Peoples. Create a timeline of their life and try your hand at writing a narrative of one of their most famous moments.

 Music: Sing these new verses to “She’ll be coming around the Mountain”

Verse 1: He’ll be running from the Shawnee when he comes.

Verse 2: He’ll be running through Kentucky when he comes.

Verse 3: He’ll be warning everybody when he comes.

Repeat, as needed, for fun!