Doppol - Trending books for kids

Devastation Class

#1 in Devastation Class Series

3.83
on Goodreads (200)

What’s inside...

An annihilation force of invading aliens has put human civilization on the brink of extinction. Earth's only hope lies in the hands of seven cadets and the legendary starship they were never meant to command. Despite overwhelming odds, they are determined to fight for their future. After emerging victorious from a brutal nine-year war with the alien race Kastazi, Earth's Alliance forces embark on a scientific mission aboard the Devastation Class starship California. Cadets JD Marshall and Viv Nixon see the mission as a chance to prove themselves outside of their legendary war hero parents' shadows. However, when they are ambushed by a second wave of Kastazi forces, JD and Viv lead a mutiny to save their ship. Out of options, they activate the prototype Blink Reactor, which sends them to an unrecognizable reality filled with unimaginable secrets. They must navigate this new world, confront an insurmountable enemy, and unravel a mystery eons in the making to save humanity itself.
In series
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

12-13

Length

324 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Jd Marshall
Yana Stryker
Vik Weston

Discussion points

How do the characters in 'Devastation Class' demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges?
What choices would you make if you were in the same situation as the characters?
Discuss the importance of teamwork portrayed in the book. Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to solve a problem?
What are the moral dilemmas the characters face, and how do they navigate them?
How does leadership play a role in 'Devastation Class' and what can we learn from it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage open-ended conversation by asking your child to reflect on the characters' decisions and their consequences. Highlight the importance of leadership, teamwork, and moral judgment by relating them to the child’s everyday experiences. Use examples from the book to discuss the value of resilience and how to handle complex challenges. Lastly, promote empathy by exploring how different characters might feel in various situations throughout the book.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Leadership and Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Devastation Class', characters are thrust into leadership roles in life-threatening situations, showcasing their ability to make tough decisions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take charge in difficult situations and understand the importance of stepping up responsibly in various aspects of life like school projects or family obligations.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The survival of the characters often depends on their ability to work together and combine their skills to overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperating with others, whether it's in sports teams, classroom tasks, or community activities.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Consequences
Explanation: Characters in the book frequently face the consequences of their actions which affects not only themselves but their peers as well.
Real-World Application: It highlights for children the importance of thinking about the outcomes of their actions, promoting a sense of accountability and foresight in their daily decisions.
Example Lesson: Courage in the Face of Fear
Explanation: Despite immense dangers, characters show bravery and tackle challenges head-on, which is crucial to their survival.
Real-World Application: Children can draw parallels by understanding that facing fears, whether it's speaking in public or trying new activities, can lead to personal growth and overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to Change
Explanation: As the situation aboard their spaceship changes, characters must adapt to new roles and environments quickly.
Real-World Application: This can help children learn to be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances in life, such as moving to a new school or dealing with changes at home.