Winter Turning
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Winter Turning
Winter Turning, the seventh book in Tui T. Sutherland's 'Wings of Fire' series, is a middle-grade fantasy novel geared towards readers aged 8-12. This installment, part of 'The Jade Mountain Prophecy' arc, delves into the personal journey of Winter, an IceWing prince grappling with his tribe's rigid traditions and his family's high expectations. The narrative centers on Winter's quest to find his missing sister, Icicle, who has committed serious crimes, and rescue his brother, Hailstorm, from the clutches of the villainous Queen Scarlet. Joined by his friends from Jade Mountain Academy, Winter confronts themes of prejudice, loyalty, and self-discovery amidst a perilous landscape. The book offers a blend of adventure and character-driven conflict, continuing the series' exploration of complex social and emotional issues within an engaging dragon-filled world.
Things to Consider
Violence
The book contains numerous instances of violence, including threats of torture, graphic injuries, and a depiction of dead dragons. The plot is driven by perilous quests and confrontations, with a significant emphasis on battle and conflict between dragon tribes.
1. Queen Scarlet explicitly threatens to torture and kill Hailstorm in Winter's dream, detailing methods such as burning him, gouging out his eyes, or suffocating him with live goats, creating intense and disturbing imagery. 2. Winter's sister, Icicle, is found in a 'horrible condition' with 'unhealed wounds' and 'red and blue blood' on her scales after being involved in violent acts, including an attempted murder of Starflight and the murder of a NightWing. The book also references a 'room of frozen corpses' in the Ice Kingdom.
Scary & Intense Content
The book contains intense and frightening elements, including graphic threats, depictions of injured and dead dragons, and psychological distress. The narrative consistently places characters in dangerous, high-stakes situations.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Ages 10-12, due to themes of violence, psychological distress, and complex moral dilemmas. While the reading level suits 8-12, the intensity of threats, detailed descriptions of intended harm, and emotional struggles of characters may be more suitable for slightly older or more mature middle-grade readers.
Good to Know
Parents should be aware that while 'Winter Turning' is a middle-grade book, it continues to explore complex themes such as the psychological impact of trauma and moral ambiguities. The broader 'Wings of Fire' series, particularly in later installments, introduces explicit LGBTQ+ relationships and gender identities, which some Christian parents may find concerning.
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