3:59
on Goodreads (2,756)
What’s inside...
Betrayed by the two persons she trusts the most, Josie jumps at the chance to trade places with her twin in a parallel universe. However, she soon finds herself trapped in a dangerous world where shadowy creatures feed on human flesh.
Age
13-17
Length
359 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Josie Byrne
Nick
Lucy Byrne
Jo Byrne
Discussion points
What do you think about the idea of parallel universes, like the ones Josie experiences in '3:59'? How would you feel if you met another version of yourself?
Josie faces many challenges throughout the book. Can you think of a time when you faced a difficult challenge? How did you handle it?
The theme of trust is central in '3:59'. What do you think makes someone trustworthy? Are there characters in the book whom you would trust?
How do the relationships in the book change over time? What do you think causes these changes?
If you had the opportunity to switch places with someone for a day, would you take it? What would you hope to learn or experience?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their views about the book’s characters and plot twists, validating their feelings and thoughts.
Use comparisons to real-life situations to make the themes of the book more relatable and to deepen the conversation.
Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the characters and ask your child what they would have done differently in those situations.
Explore the concept of 'alternate realities' further by watching related movies or reading other books together, then discussing their similarities and differences with '3:59'.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: In '3:59,' the protagonist faces numerous challenges in parallel universes, yet she continuously strives to solve the mysteries and overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persisting through difficulties, understanding that effort and determination can lead to success in school tasks or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Understanding the impact of choices
Explanation: The story explores how different choices can lead to different outcomes, illustrating the consequences of decisions made by the characters.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically about the choices they make daily and consider potential outcomes before acting.
Example Lesson: Embracing curiosity and scientific inquiry
Explanation: The protagonist uses scientific methods to understand the strange occurrences in her life, promoting a love for science and exploration.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to explore their world, ask questions, and make discoveries, whether they’re undertaking a science project at school or simply exploring their backyard.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must collaborate to solve problems, showing how teamwork can lead to success where going it alone might not.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of working with others, sharing ideas, and supporting peers in collaborative projects or group studies.