Dark Room Etiquette
on Goodreads (2,789)
What’s inside...
Sixteen-year-old Sayers Wayte has everything—until he's kidnapped by a man who tells him the privileged life he's been living is based on a lie. Trapped in a windowless room, without knowing why he's been taken or how long the man plans to keep him shut away, Sayers faces a terrifying new reality. To survive, he must forget the world he once knew, and play the part his abductor has created for him. But as time passes, the line between fact and fiction starts to blur, and Sayers begins to wonder if he can escape . . . before he loses himself.
Age
14-17
Length
512 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sayers Wayte
Teacher
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt during their challenges, and what would you have done in their situation?
What does this story teach us about empathy and understanding others?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a difficult decision like the character did? What did you learn from that experience?
How does the setting of the story influence the events and emotions of the characters?
What are some ways the characters in the book show strength and resilience?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of the characters, enhancing their empathetic skills. Discuss the moral dilemmas and choices faced by the characters to promote critical thinking. Use parallels from the story to real-life situations your child may encounter to make the themes more relatable. Reinforce the lessons learned about resilience and courage in adversity, highlighting how these qualities are valuable in real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The protagonist's journey highlights the importance of understanding others' feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and respect the feelings of their peers and family members, fostering a supportive and empathetic environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The book showcases the protagonist overcoming challenges, emphasizing the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to persist through their own difficulties, whether at school or in personal situations, building their problem-solving skills and confidence.
Example Lesson: The importance of personal growth
Explanation: As the protagonist evolves throughout the book, the theme of self-improvement and learning from experiences is evident.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to seek self-improvement and learn from their own experiences, promoting a mindset geared towards continuous personal development.