SuitabookSkandar and the Unicorn Thief
A.F. Steadman
- Reading
- Consider reading the early chapters together, checking how the unicorn danger and family circumstances feel, then pausing after major revelations. Let the reader decide whether to continue immediately or take breaks between intense sections.
- Themes
- Belonging and self-worth: Skandar longs to become a unicorn rider and find an identity and community, while another character tries to gain a distant father’s attention by being perfect. The book presents this favourably.
- Friendship and loyalty under pressure: Skandar forms bonds with his sister and fellow riders while facing secrets, danger and the possibility that their lives are at risk. The book presents this favourably.
- Dangerous power and responsibility: Young riders use elemental magic in staged battles, while wild unicorns and a forbidden spirit element are associated with serious danger. The book leaves its stance open to more than one reading.
- Worth knowing
- Pay attention to the intensity of the fantasy danger: unicorns can be bloodthirsty, children are injured in magical battles, people go missing, and a woman is beaten and imprisoned. Family grief, bullying and panic attacks also occur.