Bent Heavens
on Goodreads (1,493)
What’s inside...
Liv Fleming's father disappeared more than two years ago after claiming he was abducted by aliens. Liv has since accepted that he's dead but continues their tradition of checking the traps he set for aliens in the woods with her friend Doug. On the day Liv decides to destroy the traps, she finds a creature that confirms her father's claims were true. Now, Liv and Doug must decide whether to turn the alien over to authorities or handle it themselves. Kraus's writing is described as brutally efficient and devastatingly timely.
Age
14-18
Length
291 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Liv Fleming
Doug Monk
Discussion points
How did the main characters' experiences in the book change their views on trust and friendship?
What do you think the author wanted us to understand about coping with difficult emotions?
In what ways did the characters show resilience in the face of adversity?
What lessons can we learn about forgiveness and understanding from the story?
How might you have reacted in a similar situation to the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that allow for many possible answers, encouraging deeper thinking and personal connection to the story.
Allow your child to express their feelings or thoughts about the book's events without judgment, fostering a comfortable environment for honest discussion.
Point out specific moments in the story that depict crucial themes, asking your child to explain their understanding and perspective of those moments.
Encourage your child to compare and contrast characters’ decisions and behaviors, cultivating critical thinking skills.
Relate the themes or situations from the book to real-life scenarios to help your child apply the book's messages in a practical context.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Liv, navigates through extremely challenging circumstances, demonstrating perseverance and inner strength.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain determination and courage when facing difficult situations or obstacles in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The importance of dealing with grief
Explanation: Liv's struggles with her father's disappearance provide a realistic depiction of how one handles loss and the complexities of grief.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand their feelings of loss and encourage them to seek support from friends, family, or counselors.
Example Lesson: Moral ambiguity and making tough choices
Explanation: The story explores complex decisions Liv must make, showing that sometimes the line between right and wrong isn't clear-cut.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to think critically about their choices and consider the consequences of their actions in complex situations.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and trust
Explanation: Throughout the book, the significance of building trust and relying on friends in difficult times is evident.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn the importance of nurturing friendships and being a dependable friend in both good and challenging times.
Example Lesson: Confronting and overcoming fears
Explanation: The narrative pushes characters to face frightening situations, emphasizing the growth that comes from confronting fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to face their own fears and understand that overcoming fear is a part of personal growth.