Vanya and the Wild Hunt

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Worldbuilding is one of the most important elements in creating a good fantasy. In Vanya and the Wild Hunt, the author creates a magical world that feels layered, mysterious, and alive. Invite students to reflect on what details in the book transported them out of the real world and into Vanya’s—what made Auramere feel real to them? Then celebrate their reading by bringing some of that world off the page and into the classroom with themed activity stations inspired by the Auramere universe. Students can suggest or help develop stations or enjoy these:

• Rune Workshop: Explore the magic of symbols, learn more about real-world runes, and design and draw runes that have powerful or playful purposes.
• Fable Stable: Craft a favorite fantastical creature from clay after researching its significance and symbolism in various cultures.  
• Village Bakery: Write a recipe for a magical treat while sampling baked goods inspired by the book.
• Enchanted Door: Expand on the author's worldbuilding with creative writing contributions that imagine new additions in the Auramere universe.

You might also collaborate with other educators to bring Auramere to life throughout the school building with Monsoon races in P.E. class or a transformation of your school library into the Arcane Archive! 

Questions for Discussion or Reflective Writing

1. What are you good at? What do you want to be good at? What makes you feel empowered? How does that help you find your place in the world?
2. Why is Auramere a secret? Why do you think that so much of Vanya’s family history has been kept secret from her? What kind of courage does it take to look at the past? What do you know about your own history? Did reading this book make you curious to find out more? What adults in your life could you talk to about the past and family secrets? How does exploring the past help you consider your own future? 
3. How does learning these secrets change Vanya? Have you ever learned someone else’s secret? What changed when you learned it? 
4. Why does Vanya decide to enter the yearly Monsoon races on a patrallak? Why is she so focused on proving herself? How does this cause friction with her family and friends? What helps her begin to overcome her desperate desire to fit in?
5. How does the animal familiar that Vanya bonds with reflect her nature and needs? How does her familiar support Vanya’s emerging magical identity? What other ways does Kasha support Vanya? 
6. How does Vanya’s ADHD and sense of being an outsider shape her relationship with both the regular world and the magical one? In what ways does her neurodivergence become her strength? What helps her come to see that strength?

Related Resources

Discussion Points for Vanya and the Wild Hunt from School Reading List

Fantasy Worldbuilding Questions from Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association

Mythical Creatures Sculpture Lesson from Seth Low Intermediate School