About This Book
This historical adventure novel transports readers to the vast Sahara Desert in the 1840s. Fourteen-year-old Matthew Morrissey assists the eccentric Dr. Asa B. Cornwall on a quest to locate the legendary skull of Alexander the Great. What begins as an academic pursuit quickly escalates into a high-stakes struggle for survival, as the duo encounters treacherous desert conditions, slave traders, and mysterious perils. The book offers a blend of historical detail, thrilling action, and themes of courage, resourcefulness, and justice, making it an engaging read for middle-grade adventurers.
In the 1840s, Dr. Asa B. Cornwall, a phrenologist, and his fourteen-year-old assistant, Matthew Morrissey, travel from Paris to Northern Africa to seek the missing skull of Alexander the Great.
peril_danger
Scary Scenes
Violence
discrimination
Discussion Prompts
1
What challenges did Matthew and Dr. Cornwall face in the desert, and how did they overcome them?
2
How did Matthew grow and change throughout their adventure?
3
What does the book teach us about courage and helping others, even when it's dangerous?
4
How was the world different in the 1840s compared to today, especially in terms of travel and communication?
5
What is phrenology, and why do you think Dr. Cornwall was so interested in it?
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