Any Sign of Life
on Goodreads (2,951)
What’s inside...
When a teenage girl, Paige Miller, thinks she may be the only person left alive in her town—maybe in the whole world—she must rely on hope, trust, and her own resilience. After falling ill during March Madness, Paige wakes up to find everyone has perished and her dreams for the future are shattered. However, as a warrior, Paige pushes through her grief and fear. As she scrounges for food, shelter, and safety, she encounters a few more young survivors. Together, they might stand a chance, but they learn the apocalypse was not an accident and face threats worse than being alone. New York Times–bestselling author Rae Carson tells a contemporary and all-too-realistic story about surviving against the odds in this near-future thriller. Any Sign of Life will electrify fans of Rory Power’s Wilder Girls and Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven.
Age
13-17
Length
384 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Paige Miller
Trey
Adam
Discussion points
How did Paige's resilience in the face of adversity inspire you? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave?
What would you do if you were in Paige's situation, surrounded by a changed world? How would you feel?
The theme of hope is strong throughout the book. What are some moments where you felt hope for the characters?
How do the relationships between characters develop in the story? What did you learn about trust and teamwork?
If you could change one thing in the story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that prompt your child to think deeply about the themes and characters, avoiding simple 'yes' or 'no' answers.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences. This can help them connect with the book and its characters on a personal level.
Discuss the decisions characters make in the book. Ask your child what they would do differently and explore the reasons behind their choices.
Highlight the importance of resilience and hope. Discuss how these themes can be applied in real life and why they are valuable.
Use the book as an opportunity to discuss broader topics like survival, human behavior, and morality.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Paige, demonstrates immense resilience after waking up to find the world devastated by a viral pandemic. She persists in her survival and in finding other survivors.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through personal challenges, whether it's a tough homework assignment or a problem with friends, demonstrating resilience similar to Paige.
Example Lesson: Importance of community and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'Any Sign of Life', Paige realizes the importance of finding and supporting others. This drive to build a community is crucial for their survival.
Real-World Application: This highlights the value of teamwork at school or during extracurricular activities, teaching children that working together is often key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: Paige learns to adapt quickly to the drastically changed world. Her ability to accept and adapt to new realities is a pivotal part of her survival.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to be flexible and adapt to changes, such as moving to a new city or adjusting to a new school environment.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: In her journey, Paige encounters others who are suffering and, despite her own struggle, shows empathy and compassion towards them.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of understanding and caring for others' emotions and situations, encouraging them to be empathetic towards classmates and friends.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: Faced with numerous challenges, Paige uses critical thinking to navigate dangerous situations and solve problems that are vital for her survival.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to use critical thinking in solving everyday problems, such as dealing with a difficult puzzle or resolving a dispute with a sibling.