About This Book
The Thief Lord is a captivating adventure story about two orphaned brothers, Prosper and Bo, who run away to Venice to escape their unkind aunt and uncle. They find an unexpected family among a gang of street children, led by the charismatic and mysterious 'Thief Lord.' As they navigate the hidden canals and rooftops of Venice, they must also outwit a private detective hired to bring them back. This book explores themes of family, loyalty, belonging, and resilience in the face of adversity, set against the richly atmospheric backdrop of Venice. It's a longer chapter book, suitable for independent readers in late elementary, but also makes an excellent read-aloud for younger children who enjoy suspenseful and heartwarming tales.
Escaping the aunt who wants to adopt only one of them, two orphaned brothers run away from Hamburg to Venice, finding shelter with a gang of street children and their leader, the thirteen-year-old "Thief Lord," while also eluding the detective hired to return them to Germany.
separation_from_parent
peril_danger
bullying
Discussion Prompts
1
What does 'family' mean to Prosper and Bo at the beginning of the story, and how does that idea change by the end?
2
How do Prosper and Bo show bravery throughout their adventure in Venice?
3
The children in the gang rely on each other. What are some examples of their loyalty and teamwork?
4
If you were Prosper or Bo, what would be the hardest part about living on the streets of Venice?
5
What makes the Thief Lord such a compelling leader for the street children?
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