Eden Summer
on Goodreads (620)
What’s inside...
IT STARTS like any other day for Jess – get up, draw on eyeliner, cover up tattoos and head to school. But soon it’s clear this is no ordinary day, because Jess’s best friend, Eden, isn’t at school . . . she’s gone missing. Jess knows she must do everything in her power to find Eden before the unthinkable happens. So Jess decides to retrace the summer she and Eden have just spent together. But looking back means digging up all their buried secrets, and she starts to question everything she thought Eden’s summer had been about. A tense and thrilling journey through friendship, loss, betrayal and self discovery. An affecting YA debut from a brilliant new voice about friendship and finding yourself in the midst of loss. A thriller from the heart that's Morgan Matson meets Lauren Oliver.
Age
11-12
Length
280 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jess
Eden
Liam
Discussion points
How did Eden's disappearance affect the relationships between the characters in the book?
What role do you think trust plays in friendships as depicted in 'Eden Summer'?
How did the characters cope with their fear and guilt throughout the story?
What do you think the characters learned about themselves by the end of the book?
If you were in Jess's place, how would you have handled the situation differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the discussion, encourage your child to think about the main themes of friendship and trust in 'Eden Summer'.
Ask your child to relate any personal experiences that connect with the situations faced by Jess and Eden in the story.
Facilitate a conversation about the emotions each character might have felt during key events, helping your child to empathize with varying perspectives.
Discuss the resolution of the story and what it teaches about handling complex emotional challenges.
Encourage your child to think critically about the decisions made by the characters and explore alternative choices and outcomes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'Eden Summer', the story revolves around the strong bond between Jess and Eden, highlighting how vital friendship is during challenging times.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture their friendships, understanding that true friends provide support and comfort in both good and bad times.
Example Lesson: The impact of dealing with loss
Explanation: The disappearance of Eden introduces themes of loss and the emotional turmoil that follows, teaching readers about the stages of grief and coping mechanisms.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand their feelings of loss and equip them with strategies to cope with such emotions, whether it's a missing pet, moving schools, or losing a loved one.
Example Lesson: The power of resilience
Explanation: Jess's relentless search for Eden despite numerous challenges showcases resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, understanding that resilience can help overcome various challenges in life.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face moments where honesty is tested. The narrative demonstrates the importance of being truthful, even when it's difficult.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of honesty in building trust and maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: As Jess delves deeper into the mystery of Eden’s disappearance, she uncovers various aspects of Eden’s struggles, fostering a theme of empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be empathetic towards others, urging them to consider and be sensitive to the feelings and difficulties of those around them.