Disconnect (Orca Currents)
Orca Currents Series
on Goodreads (85)
What’s inside...
Since moving hundreds of miles to a new school, Daria has become increasingly dependent on her cell phone. Texts, Facebook and phone calls are her only connection to her friends in Calgary, and Daria needs to know everything that is going on at home to feel connected to her old life. Her cell phone habit looks a lot like addiction to her mother and to her new friend Cleo. Daria dismisses the idea of technology addiction as foolish until her habit puts a life in danger.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
125 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Daria
Dara'S Mother
Kelly
Discussion points
What do you think about the main character's decision to disconnect from technology? How would you feel in the same situation?
How do the characters in the book change once they're offline? Do you think being less connected to devices could change you too?
The story brings up themes of friendship and resolving conflicts. Can you relate any of these situations to your own experiences with friends?
What do you think is the message the author is trying to convey about technology and personal relationships?
If you had to give up one piece of technology for a week, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Pause after impactful moments in the book and ask your child how they feel about what just happened.
Relate the book’s themes to real-life situations in your child’s life to make the conversation more relevant.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them what they would do differently than the characters in the book.
Create a ‘device-free’ time during which you and your child can discuss the book and explore its themes together.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to imagine an extra chapter. What would happen next?
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'Disconnect,' the protagonist learns the consequences of dishonesty when he deceives his family and friends about his involvement in damaging school property. His journey reflects the importance of being honest, even when it's difficult.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the value of telling the truth in their daily interactions, fostering trust and integrity in their relationships.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and accountability
Explanation: The book highlights the character's growth as he learns to take responsibility for his actions and accept the repercussions. This shift is pivotal in his development and resolution of the story's conflict.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to own up to their mistakes and understand that their actions have consequences, promoting personal growth and maturity.
Example Lesson: The impact of peer pressure
Explanation: The protagonist faces peer pressure and makes poor decisions as a result, which serves as a narrative tool to discuss the effects of negative influence among peers.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to identify peer pressure and develop strategies to resist it, supporting their ability to make independent and positive choices.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout the story, as the protagonist confronts his own mistakes, he also learns to understand and empathize with the perspectives of others affected by his actions.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to improve their relationships by considering other people's feelings and viewpoints, enhancing their emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: The power of redemption and forgiveness
Explanation: In 'Disconnect', the protagonist seeks forgiveness from those he has wronged and works towards redeeming himself, illustrating the themes of redemption and forgiveness.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that everyone makes mistakes, but it's important to seek forgiveness and make amends, which can heal relationships and lead to personal betterment.