Drifters
#2 of 3 in The Atlanteans Series
on Goodreads (125)
What’s inside...
Jovie is feeling alone in Far Haven, Washington after her best friend Micah goes missing. As she continues to search for Micah, Jovie discovers that Micah and others have been completely forgotten by the town due to strange storms. Together with her new friend Sylvan, Jovie uncovers the town's bizarre and deadly history, revealing a disaster that has caused people to be lost from the world. A mystery about a girl who sets out to find her missing best friend--and discovers her small town is hiding a dark, centuries-old secret. Jovie is adrift. She'd been feeling alone ever since her best friend, Micah, left her behind for a new group of friends--but when Micah went missing last fall, Jovie felt truly lost. Now, months later, the search parties have been called off, and the news alerts have dried up. There's only Jovie, biking around Far Haven, Washington, putting up posters with Micah's face on them, feeling like she's the only one who remembers her friend at all. This feeling may be far closer to the truth than Jovie knows. As strange storms beset Far Haven, she is shocked to discover that Micah isn't just missing--she's been forgotten completely by everyone in town. And Micah isn't the only one: there are others, roaming the beaches, camped in the old bunkers, who have somehow been lost from the world. When Jovie and her new friend Sylvan dig deeper, they learn that the town's history is far stranger and more deadly than anyone knows. Something disastrous is heading for Far Haven, and Jovie and Sylvan soon realize that it is up to them to save not only Micah, but everyone else who has been lost to the world and set adrift--now, in the past, and in the future.
Discussion points
What do you think the drifters were searching for, and why is it important?
How did the characters change throughout the book? What experiences influenced these changes?
If you could be friends with any character in the book, who would it be and why?
What lessons do you think the drifters learned by the end of their journey?
How would you have solved the challenges faced by the drifters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting a discussion, ask your child to summarize the story in their own words to ensure comprehension.
Encourage empathy by asking how they would feel in the situations encountered by the characters.
Use specific scenes from the book to discuss broader life lessons, such as teamwork or perseverance.
Ask hypothetical questions to help your child apply the story to their own life choices and actions.
After discussing, propose creating a small drawing or a project related to the themes or setting of the book to deepen engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: In 'Drifters', the characters face numerous unexpected difficulties during their adventures, showcasing their ability to adapt and persevere.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain determined and courageous when encountering obstacles in their personal lives or educational pursuits.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: The protagonists in 'Drifters' depend on each other's unique strengths and support to navigate through their journeys, emphasizing the value of collaborative efforts.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages kids to value their friendships and to collaborate effectively, whether in school projects or in extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature and the environment
Explanation: As the characters explore various natural settings, they learn about the significance of maintaining the health and balance of ecosystems.
Real-World Application: This educates children on environmental stewardship, promoting actions like recycling, conserving water, and protecting wildlife in their communities.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the joy of discovery
Explanation: Throughout 'Drifters', the characters' exploration leads them to discover new worlds and learn from them, fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to engage in their own explorations and learning, be it through reading, science experiments, or exploring nature.
Example Lesson: Understanding and embracing differences
Explanation: The diverse group of characters in 'Drifters' learns to appreciate and embrace each other’s differences, promoting inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to apply this lesson by respecting and celebrating diverse cultures, abilities, and perspectives in their own social interactions.