on Goodreads (19)
What’s inside...
Aidan McBrien is considered the most powerful Immortal of his generation and the son of prophecy, but feels alienated by the power that sets him apart. He struggles to control his gifts and fears fulfilling a prophecy he doesn't believe in. Meanwhile, Allie Carmichael feels isolated and disconnected from life, enduring an internal suffering she doesn't comprehend. As Allie and Aidan's paths converge, they must navigate the decisions others make for them and come to terms with the immense power they possess, which may be linked to a prophecy that isn't solely about Aidan.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-18
Length
170 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the characters in 'Edge' react the way they did to the challenges they faced?
How would you handle a situation similar to what the characters experienced in the book?
What did you learn about friendship and trust from the story?
Do you think the choices made by the characters were good? Why or why not?
If you could give any character in the book advice, what would you tell them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that invite more than a yes or no response to encourage deeper thinking about the book's themes.
Relate the scenarios in the book to real-life situations your child might encounter to make the discussion more relatable.
Encourage your child to express how they feel about the characters’ decisions and actions, and guide them to consider different perspectives.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or different choices the characters could have made and discuss how those changes might alter the story.
Highlight the lessons about friendship, trust, and consequences discussed in the book to reinforce these values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy
Explanation: Throughout 'Edge,' the characters often face situations that require understanding and compassion towards others' feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by recognizing emotions in their peers and responding thoughtfully in their everyday interactions at school or in the playground.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist encounters numerous challenges but continues to push forward, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the significance of not giving up in the face of difficulties, whether it be in completing a tough homework assignment or learning a new skill in sports or arts.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: Strong relationships among the characters provide support and help them overcome obstacles together.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building and maintaining friendships and how teamwork can help solve problems they might not be able to handle alone.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: Characters in 'Edge' make decisions that lead to various outcomes, illustrating the concept of actions having consequences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think ahead about the potential results of their actions, helping them make more thoughtful decisions in their lives.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: As the characters embark on adventures, they show bravery in confronting the unknown, which is a central theme of the book.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face new challenges with courage, whether it's trying out for a school play, joining a new sports team, or standing up for what's right.