False Prince
Author: Neilsen, Jennifer
Publisher: Scholastic
Copyright: 2012
Genre: Fantasy adventure
Setting: Medieval times in the country of Carthya
SUMMARY: When the royal family is murdered, Sage, a street-smart orphan finds himself unwillingly
involved in a plot to take the place of Carthya’s long-lost prince Jaron. Recruited by Bevin Connor,
one of the country’s regents, Sage finds himself in competition with two other candidates, Tobias and
Roden. Living by his wits and skill in thievery and deceit, he battles to stay alive. This first book in a
planned trilogy is fast-paced with plenty of twists and turns with a suspenseful and satisfying ending
that will leave readers ready for the second book in the Ascendance Trilogy.
AUTHOR’S BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH: Jennifer always loved reading and began writing in
elementary school. Her favorite book in junior high was the Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. She became
involved in school speech and debate competitions and performed in the local theater. These
experiences filled her head with characters and she completed her first book in her early 20’s. It was
pretty bad as were her second and third books. By her fourth book, she decided she was writing for
the wrong age group. The characters in her head were now young adult and children’s fantasy
characters. Jennifer lives in Northern Utah with her husband and three children. For more information
about author go to http://www.jennielsen.com/http://www.jennielsen.com/
http://www.jennielsen.com/
Other books written by the author: The Underworld Chronicles: Elliot and the Goblin War, Elliot
and the Pixie Plot, and Elliot and the Las Underworld War; The Runaway King.
SIMILAR BOOKS/BOOKS WITH A SIMILAR THEME: The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain;
The Secret Prince by D. Anne Love; The Thief by Megan Whelan Turner.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. Discuss foreshadowing (p. 65…”It stirred up memories of how I used to be). At what point did you
begin to suspect the truth about Sage and what were the clues the author gave you that led to your
conclusion?
2. What characteristics did you find appealing about Sage? What characteristics did you find annoying?
3. How do you think Jaron changed since he was first sent away? How do you think this prepared him
to become king?
4. Discuss how the author’s use of the first-person narrative in telling this story contributed to the story’s
drama and suspense. What would have been different if the author had used a second or thirdperson narrative?
LITERARY LINKS or ACTIVITIES:
http://www.kimskorner4teachertalk.com/readingliterature/literary_elements_devices/conflict.pdfhttp://
www.kimskorner4teachertalk.com/readingliterature/literary_elements_devices/conflict.pdf
Language Arts
There are many points of conflict (a problem or struggle between a character and himself and/or an
outside force) in The False Prince by Jennifer Neilsen. Identify examples of each: 1) character vs.
self, 2) character vs. nature, 3) character vs. character, and 4) character vs. society. Create a
diagram or chart citing the page number and short description of the conflicts.
EL.6.3.2 2006
Analysis of Grade-Level-Appropriate Literary Text:
Analyze the effect of the qualities of the character on the plot and the resolution of the conflict.
Example: Analyze how a character's qualities impact the plot's resolution of conflict, such as in
Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne, when the character Professor Lidenbrock deals
with a psychological as well as physical quest as he faces the unknown.
EL.7.3.2 2006
Analysis of Grade-Level-Appropriate Literary Text:
Identify events that advance the plot and determine how each event explains past or present action or
foreshadows (provides clues to) future action.
Example: While reading the short story "Charles" by Shirley Jackson, recognize the foreshadowing of
events to come as the behavior of the character Charles begins to change.
EL.8.3.2 2006
Analysis of Grade-Level-Appropriate Literary Text:
Evaluate the structural elements of the plot, such as subplots, parallel episodes, and climax; the plot's
development; and the way in which conflicts are (or are not) addressed and resolved.
Example: Read a book, such as Holes by Louis Sachar, and discuss how the plot is developed,
including the climax and its resolution and how different subplots are incorporated into the story.
http://cpss.neasc.org/downloads/Getting_started/seekonk_rubrics.pdfhttp://cpss.neasc.org/downloads/Gett
ing_started/seekonk_rubrics.pdf
http://citt.ufl.edu/tools/oral-presentations/http://citt.ufl.edu/tools/oral‐presentations/
http://citt.ufl.edu/tools/oral‐presentations/
Language Arts:
Select one of the main characters: Sage, Bevin Connor, Imogen, Amarinda, Mott, Tobias or Roden
and give a soliloquy that describes that character’s motivation and purpose. Use vocal modulation,
costume or props to strengthen your performance.
EL.6.7.4 2006
Organization and Delivery of Oral Communication:
Select a focus, an organizational structure, and a point of view, matching the purpose, message, and
vocal modulation (changes in tone) to the audience.
EL.7.7.5 2006
Use speaking techniques - including adjustments of tone, volume, and timing of speech; enunciation
(clear speech); and eye contact - for effective presentations.
EL.8.7.4 2006
Use precise language, action verbs, sensory details, appropriate and colorful modifiers (describing
words, such as adverbs and adjectives), and the active (I recommend that you write drafts.) rather
than the passive voice (The writing of drafts is recommended.) in ways that enliven oral
presentations.
Challenging Words
Anticipated
Servitude
Preferential
Vigil
Balustrade
Cesspool
Mercenary
Façade
Boisterously
Slacking
Tedious
Indentured
Fraudulent