The Alchemyst Theme of Youth

Sure, Sophie and Josh may be a bit out of their league when it comes to, well, knowing what in the world is going on in The Alchemyst. But what's so great about this book is that they're actually the ones with all the power. Their untapped abilities and awesome attitudes mean that they're going to play a big role in events to come. After all, according to Flamel, the twins are the young upstarts who'll push the Elders off their thrones. Sure, they've got some teen angst to deal with first, but we think the youth will reign supreme before the day is done.

1. What do you think is the effect of age on the family relationships in The Alchemyst? What do you make of the relationship between the older First Generation, like Hekate and Bastet, and the Next Generation, like Scatty and the Morrigan? Do their powers and personalities seem different, somehow? 
2. Does it make sense that Sophie treats Josh like her baby brother, even though she's a grand total of twenty-eight seconds older? Why do you think this power dynamic emerged, when they're really the exact same age?
3. As youngsters, Sophie and Josh don't have a ton of adults to trust. Their parents are gone, and Flamel has, frankly, put their lives in danger. What's up with that? How does their lack of parental support and advice affect Sophie and Josh throughout the novel?