Aftershocks
on Goodreads (74)
What’s inside...
Aftershocks explores the ways in which grief can affect not only individuals, but communities at large from award-winning author, Anne Fine. A family mix-up means Louie has to tag along with his engineer father and his team as they head for a routine job in the farthest flung and most neglected province of the Federation. A massive earthquake, with ensuing tsunami, devastates the entire isolated coastal region, laying bare the other-worldly manner in which the silent and strange Endlanders deal with life, death and the hinterlands of memory and loss. Their curious and unsettling ways raise ghosts for Louie, who has recently lost his own brother. This modern fable – part ghost-story, part coming-of-age novel and part astute social and family observation – explores the ways in which grief can affect not only individuals, but communities at large. Former Children's Laureate Anne Fine has written over seventy books for children and has twice won the Carnegie Medal. She began to write to entertain herself when she was unable to get to the library in a snowstorm, and she hasn't stopped since. Her writing very often tackles serious social issues but can also be laugh-out-loud funny and her range is demonstrated by the successes of Madame Doubtfire and Goggle Eyes.
Age
10-14
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think each character felt after the earthquake? Can you relate to any of their feelings?
What are some ways the characters helped each other cope with the after-effects of the earthquake?
Why is it important to have a safety plan for natural disasters? How do you think this helps people feel more secure?
What role does community play in recovering from a disaster like the one in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about each character’s reactions to the earthquake, fostering empathy and understanding.
Discuss the importance of preparedness and safety measures during natural disasters, emphasizing how being informed can reduce fear and anxiety.
Highlight the theme of community and teamwork in the book, prompting your child to think about how they can contribute to their own community in times of need.
Use the book as an opportunity to create or review your own family's disaster preparedness plan, making the discussion practical and relevant.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Aftershocks', the protagonist learns to understand and share the feelings of others after experiencing a challenging situation.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to better relate to their peers' feelings and situations, fostering a more supportive and understanding environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The story demonstrates how the main character overcomes adversity, showcasing the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist and find solutions in the face of difficulties, whether it's dealing with school challenges or personal issues.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters encounter problems that require creative solutions, emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving skills in their daily interactions and academic challenges.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Characters in 'Aftershocks' take responsibility for their actions, highlighting the importance of accountability.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the impact of their actions on others and encourage them to take responsibility in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The book shows how characters adapt to new situations, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more adaptable in changing circumstances, such as moving to a new school or dealing with changes in family dynamics.