After January (Uqp Young Adult Fiction)
UQP Young Adult Fiction Series
What’s inside...
After January is a coming-of-age novel by Nick Earls that explores the life of a young man named Alex Delaney during a pivotal summer of his life. As Alex waits for his university entrance score, he faces the uncertainties of his future, the complexities of his relationships with friends and family, and his feelings for a girl named Fortuna. Set in the Australian summer, the story captures the transition from adolescence to adulthood, the anxiety of waiting for exam results, and the challenges of navigating new emotional territories. The novel is a poignant reflection on the threshold of change and the bittersweet moments of youth.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-18
Length
195 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Alex Delaney
Fortuna
Alex'S Mother
Discussion points
How do you think Alex feels about the changes happening in his life, and can you relate to any of his feelings?
What role do you think friendship plays in this story, and why is it important?
How does Alex's relationship with his mother influence his decisions and actions throughout the book?
What did you learn about handling uncertainties and expectations after reading about Alex's experiences?
If you were in Alex's shoes, how would you handle the challenges he faces?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book by asking them how they might feel in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of friendship and support systems, drawing parallels between the book’s events and real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
Ask your child about how they manage expectations, both self-imposed and from others, sharing insights from the book and personal experiences.
Use examples from the book to talk about resilience and adapting to changes, highlighting how Alex navigates his challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Dealing with change
Explanation: In 'After January,' the protagonist Alex faces significant life transitions, such as the impending results of his final exams and consequential decisions about his future. Throughout the story, Alex learns to navigate these changes with resilience and openness.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to embrace changes in their own lives, such as moving to a new school or dealing with family dynamics, with a positive and adaptable attitude.
Example Lesson: The value of relationships
Explanation: Alex’s interactions with his mother and his romantic interest, Fortuna, highlight the importance of nurturing relationships and the support they provide in times of uncertainty.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of maintaining and valuing relationships, encouraging them to invest time and effort into building strong bonds with family and friends.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery
Explanation: Throughout the novel, Alex embarks on a journey of self-discovery, where he contemplates his desires, goals, and who he wants to become.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to engage in self-reflection to understand their own interests, strengths, and aspirations, aiding their personal development.
Example Lesson: Coping with stress
Explanation: Alex demonstrates methods of coping with the stress of waiting for his exam results, which is a relatable scenario for many young people.
Real-World Application: Children can learn from Alex’s experience to find healthy ways to handle stress, such as pursuing hobbies, communicating with others, or practicing relaxation techniques.
Example Lesson: Planning for the future
Explanation: The narrative shows Alex contemplating his post-school life, weighing various options and considering the consequences of his choices.
Real-World Application: Children and young adults can be encouraged to think about their own futures, understand the importance of education, and make informed decisions about career and life plans.