BookQuest is a guided reading journey that brings the seven Cognitive Keys to life through popular stories. Each Quest follows one of three themes: Light in the Dark, Build Something Better, or The Mystery Inside, and invites students to reflect, take action, and think deeply as they read.

Whether your student is a superfan, a quiet observer, or just curious, BookQuest meets them where they are. Many kids know these books from school, the library, or bedtime. We use that familiarity to open the door to something more profound: self-awareness, reflection, and skill-building that they can carry into everyday life.

How It Works

Students choose a BookQuest path and begin with Lesson One. As the story unfolds, they unlock one Cognitive Key at a time, using real-world executive function strategies to track character growth and strengthen their executive functions.

BookQuest includes:

  • A themed reading guide with step-by-step prompts

  • All 7 Cognitive Keys, integrated into the story arc

  • Creative reflection pages led by Echo & Ever

  • Room to track turning points, emotions, and big ideas

Each student keeps their workbook across all seven lessons.

Why It Works

Stories are a safe space to explore challenges, choices, and change. When kids see characters managing their time, navigating big emotions, or learning from mistakes, those moments become mirrors and springboards.

BookQuest turns executive function tools into something familiar, memorable, and personal.

Who It’s For

BookQuest is designed for readers ages 9–14, as well as the adults who guide them. It’s for students ready to think deeply, face challenges with courage, and reflect on who they are and how they grow.

It’s also for the parents, teachers, and mentors who want more than worksheets. BookQuest is geared toward supportive adults seeking meaningful resources that foster a connection between reading and real-life growth.

Whether a student is navigating change, seeking clarity, or building something new, BookQuest meets them where they are and gives them tools they can carry forward.

September 2025

BookQuest Club

Light in the Dark :
The City of Ember (Book 1)

Choose a Path

Choose the path that speaks to you!


Light
In the Dark 

For stories about resilience, survival, and finding strength in hard times.

Recommended books:

  1. The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

  2. Refugee by Alan Gratz

  3. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

  4. The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

  5. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan


The Mystery
Inside 

For stories about secrets, clues, and discovering who you
really are.

Recommended books:

  1. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

  2. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

  3. Greenglass House by Kate Milford

  4. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

  5. The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson


Build Something Better

For stories about change-making, identity, and creating something new.

Recommended books:

  1. The Baby-Sitters Club: Kristy’s Great Idea
    by Ann M. Martin

  2. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

  3. New Kid by Jerry Craft

  4. Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea

  5. The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez