FYI here’s the second book in the series: The Fire Keeper
(book 2) J. C Cervantes
Here is a Teacher’s
Guide (from which I pulled questions)
1 In the first chapter, we learn that one of Zane’s legs is
shorter than the other and he needs a cane to help him walk with his “dumb
limp.” He uses words like freak and misfit to describe himself. What insight do
these terms give you into Zane’s attitude?
2 Despite Zane’s physical challenge, we learn early in the
book that he possesses the unique ability of perfect eyesight in the dark. Do
you believe, like him, that it’s another “freak-of-nature” thing, or a gift?
Explain why.
3 Zane’s mother gives him a cane with a brass dragon head
with flames flying out of its mouth. She tells him that the dragon symbolizes
protection. Identify other symbols in the book and explain their meaning as it
relates to the story.
4 Brooks tells Zane the Prophecy of Fire says that “a
powerful innocent with ancient blood would be born, and he would release the
great god of death, and evil would be unleashed during the a solar eclipse.”
Brooks says that all clues lead to Zane. What clues is she referring to?
5 After doing battle with the demon runner, Zane loses Rosie
to the underworld Xib’alb’a. Zane wakes up and finds himself alone with Ms.
Cab, who reveals she is a Maya seer and that it is her job to watch over him.
She tells him that nawals are tricksters and can’t be trusted. Given Brooks has
disappeared, should we question her loyalty to Zane?
6 Zane wants to run away from the prophecy, but Ms. Cab
tells him, “No amount of running or hiding is going to keep it from finding
you.” Discuss a time when you have wanted to run away from something that you
could not avoid.
7 To save both Brooks and Rosie, Zane has to pledge himself
to Ah-Puch. Ah-Puch tells Zane that “in Xib’alb’a you’ll be whole and strong,
you’ll be able to do what only gods and kings can do. You’ll have power beyond
your wildest dreams.” To Zane, “that all sounded pretty good” and it would also
save his friend and dog. Do you believe Zane has no other choice? Would you
take the pledge to Ah-Puch, knowing the consequences? Explain why.
8 In Chapter 19, Zane meets Pacific, sent by his father to
gift him a jade jaguar tooth. As she pushes him back on shore, Pacific calls
him Storm Runner. When Zane looks back, he sees a “jaguar’s face looming in the
dark sea.” What assumptions can you make based on this event?
9 Zane becomes intrigued with a tarot-card reader who seems
to know about him and the prophecy. Zane thinks it just might be worth it to
have his future read. Brooks says, “NO! You make your future, Zane. Got it?” Do
you think it’s possible for Zane to make his future given that his destiny is
tied to the Prophecy of Fire?
10 In Chapter 21, Zane spirit-jumps and meets his father,
Hurakan, for the first time. How does their first meeting compare to your
expectations? Does their encounter make things better or worse for Zane?
11 In Chapter 27, Zane discovers that the twins can do
nothing to help him overcome Ah-Puch. As much as Zane wanted to “disappear,
hole up in the Caribbean somewhere,” he knew he couldn’t. What does this
statement reveal about Zane? Is he the same person we were introduced to in
Chapter 1?
12 Even though Zane knows Hurakan is his dad, he says it’s
not the same as family: “Being a member of my family wasn’t automatic—it had to
be earned.” What is he referring to in this statement?
13 Kukuulkaan tells Zane that even though Zane is godborn,
“Godhood has to be earned. Fought for. Your power arrives gradually, and when .
. .” Complete the sentence with what you think Kukuulkaan was going to say.
14 By claiming Zane as his son, Hurakan admits that he broke
the Sacred Oath and will suffer imprisonment. Why would Hurakan sacrifice
himself for Zane?
15 What was Ah-Puch’s blind spot and how did Zane harness
his power to overcome him?
Informational Related WEBSITES:
• Cocking, Lauren. “The Magical Mathematical World of the
Ancient Mayans.” Culture Trip, July 20, 2017, https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/mexico/articles/the-magical-mathematical-world-of-the-ancient-mayans/
• Living May Time: Sun, Corn, and the Calendar. Smithsonian
National Museum of the American Indian, https://maya.nmai.si.edu/
Accessed 22 August 2018.
• Maya. History, https://www.history.com/topics/maya
Accessed 22 August 2018.
