Alone Out Here
on Goodreads (1,752)
What’s inside...
In 2072, as a volcanic eruption threatens catastrophic devastation, the children of world leaders, scientists, and engineers are touring the high-tech prototype spaceship, Lazarus. When the apocalypse arrives early, First Daughter Leigh Chen and a few teens are the only ones to escape Earth. Aboard the Lazarus, they navigate a starship with human artifacts and DNA archives, while forming a coalition led by the pilot’s daughter, Eli, to find a habitable planet. As isolation and power struggles threaten their survival, Leigh must choose between the mission's success and her own humanity. This saga combines heart-pounding action with poignant reflections on what it means to be human.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-18
Length
400 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they were alone? Can you describe a time you felt the same?
What do you think the story teaches us about friendship and support?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character's place?
How can we help friends or others who might feel alone?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own feelings about the book’s themes to model open communication. Utilize pauses after each question to give your child time to think and express themselves. Reinforce that there are no right or wrong answers, encouraging a more open and honest discussion. Link discussions to real-life instances where possible to make the conversation more relatable. End the conversation by asking your child to draw or write about what they've learned or felt during the read.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story illustrates how the main character understands and shares the feelings of others in challenging situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize emotions in others and respond compassionately, fostering better relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist faces various adversities but continues to persevere and overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence and bouncing back from setbacks, applicable in academics and personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The story emphasizes the value of friendships and how they provide support during tough times.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to build and maintain supportive friendships, which are crucial for emotional and social development.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The protagonist demonstrates bravery in confronting fears and unknown situations.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to face their own fears and challenges, promoting personal growth and confidence.