Five Survive
on Goodreads (209,769)
What’s inside...
The brand new unmissable crime thriller from Holly Jackson, best-selling, award-winning author of the Good Girl’s Guide to Murder trilogy. Eight hours. Six friends. One sniper. Eighteen year old Red and her friends are on a road trip in an RV, heading to the beach for Spring Break. It’s a long drive but spirits are high. Until the RV breaks down in the middle of nowhere. There’s no mobile phone reception and nobody around to help. And as the wheels are shot out, one by one, the friends realize that this is no accident. There’s a sniper out there in the dark watching them and he knows exactly who they are. One of the group has a secret that the sniper is willing to kill for. A game of cat-and-mouse plays out as the group desperately tries to get help and to work out which member of the group is the target. Buried secrets are forced to light in the cramped, claustrophobic setting of the RV, and tensions within the group will reach deadly levels. Not everyone will survive the night.
Discussion points
What do you think each character learned about trust and teamwork throughout their journey?
How would you handle the situation if you were with Red and the group?
What are some things the characters could have done differently to better handle their challenges?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
What do you think is the most important message the book is trying to convey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to consider each character's perspective before answering the questions.
Ask follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child’s thoughts and feelings about the book.
Connect the themes of the book to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, enhancing understanding and relatability.
Share your own interpretations and reactions to the book's events to stimulate an open exchange of ideas.
Highlight the importance of problem solving and teamwork, discussing how these skills are valuable in everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters must work together to solve problems and overcome challenges, demonstrating the effectiveness of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in school projects or sports activities, learning to cooperate and value each member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The characters face numerous obstacles and life-threatening situations, yet their perseverance and resilience help them to navigate through.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain strong and persistent despite difficulties, whether it's completing a tough homework assignment or handling interpersonal conflicts.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Decision Making
Explanation: To survive, the characters need to make quick and strategic decisions, highlighting the importance of thinking critically under pressure.
Real-World Application: Children learn to assess situations critically and make informed decisions, skills that are applicable in academic settings and personal life.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As the characters learn more about each other’s backgrounds and fears, they develop a deeper understanding and empathy towards each other.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to be empathetic towards their peers, understanding different perspectives and being supportive.