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Beyond

#1 in The Sighted Series

4.00
on Goodreads (4)

What’s inside...

For nearly a century, walls have surrounded the small town of River Ridge. Blaze Davies, and those around him, have only known life within their confines. Cut off from the outside world, memories of life before the walls are few and shared by only a select number who were alive then, including the town leader, Victor Winslow, whose mysterious past and claims have led the town to fear the origins of the walls and what's outside of them. One thing is for certain: they were not built by mankind. As strange events start to occur and pieces of advanced technology are discovered, it's clear that protection by the wall is limited and time is running out for River Ridge. Desperate to learn the secrets behind his town's past to ensure its future, Blaze discovers clues and pieces of a dark puzzle that extend far outside River Ridge's four walls—they go back to our very beginnings. But Blaze's search for those beginnings may lead to the truth of humanity's looming end—a truth that Victor Winslow and his devout followers will kill for to keep hidden. Can Blaze fight through the curtain of secrecy surrounding his town to uncover the truth? Or will he be forced to wait until it's too late to face the horrors that lurk beyond?
In series
Series reading

Sequential

Age

16-18

Length

440 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

What is your favorite part of the adventure in 'Beyond' and why?
How do you think the main character felt when they encountered the unexpected challenge?
What would you have done differently if you were in the same situation as the protagonist?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in a different world?
What lessons do you think we can learn from the characters’ journeys?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of the protagonist to foster empathy and deeper understanding. Use expressive reading to bring the story to life, adjusting your tone and pace to match the narrative’s mood and actions. After reading, relate themes or scenarios from the book to your child's personal experiences to make the story more relatable and memorable. Discuss the decisions characters make and explore alternative choices together, enhancing critical thinking. Finally, celebrate the reading journey by creating drawings or simple projects related to the story, making the experience both fun and educational.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous challenges and unfamiliar situations but learns to overcome them with bravery.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges, such as trying new activities or standing up for themselves, with courage and confidence.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, collaboration with others helps the characters solve problems and achieve goals, showcasing the importance of working together.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to cooperate with their peers in group tasks and to appreciate the power of collective effort in school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: The characters in 'Beyond' encounter multiple setbacks but their persistence eventually leads to success, emphasizing the benefits of not giving up.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by persistently working towards their goals, whether it be improving in a subject at school or mastering a new skill.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: The book highlights interactions between characters of diverse backgrounds, illustrating the strength found in embracing differences.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate and respect people from different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives in their own communities.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The story's adventurous spirit encourages curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to explore the world around them, ask questions, and seek out new experiences, whether in nature, at museums, or in books.