When he is unable to gather the courage to participate in the event, he decides to prove his different type of bravery by sharing the magic of his castle with his best friend, Jason. William is 12 in The Battle for the Castle and is expected to 'jump the trains,' a coming-of-age ritual in his town. Phillips from leaving him, he discovers the magic of the castle and finds himself off on a fantastic quest to another land, where he encounters an evil wizard and a fiery dragon. The castle, which is placed in William’s attic, seems mysterious and strange. As a parting gift, she gives William a beloved toy castle that has been in her family for generations. Phillips, the housekeeper who has cared for William since he was born, decides to return to England to be near her family.
William finds magic in his toy castle and embarks on a journey that helps him understand the true meaning of courage. This guide offers activities for using these novels to connect language arts, social studies, science, the arts, and careers. Even the most reluctant readers will be drawn to the courageous quest of the main character. The element of fantasy, the sense of adventure, the fast-moving plot, and the very real characters make these books an ideal choice for a novel study or read-aloud. The Castle in the Attic and The Battle for the Castle are stories of courage and trust, growing up and family.
