Furthermoor
What’s inside...
The real world is a hostile place for twelve-year-old Bren, his schooldays stalked by vicious bully, Shaun, and his family life fractured at home. Ever since his sister Evie died in an accident, Bren's only safe space is Furthermoor, an imagined world of mechanised trees and clockwork animals, where Evie is still alive. In Furthermoor, no one can hurt Bren...until the mysterious Featherly arrives. Now Bren is forced to confront his deepest fears and decide if his place in the real world is worth fighting for. Enter a world as vast and dark as your imagination, in this unforgettable coming-of-age story about courage, friendship and finding your voice.
Age
13-18
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Brishen
Featherly
Dylan
Discussion points
How do you think Bren felt when he entered Furthermoor for the first time? What would you have felt in his place?
Why do you think the friendships in the book are important to Bren? How do your friends help you in difficult times?
What would you do if you were faced with a challenge like Bren’s? Can you think of a time when you overcame a difficult situation?
How does the idea of an alternate reality like Furthermoor help Bren cope with his real-world problems? Have you ever used your imagination to escape from something?
What lesson do you think we can learn from Bren's journey throughout the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s characters and events, fostering empathy and understanding.
Relate the themes of friendship and resilience in the book to your child’s personal experiences to make the conversation more relevant.
Ask open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking and personal connection to the story.
Discuss the significance of imaginative play and escapism in coping with real-life challenges, helping your child see the value in creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of friendship and empathy
Explanation: In 'Furthermoor', the protagonist Bren finds solace and strength in his friendships, which help him navigate through his grief and loneliness.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of supporting and understanding their friends in times of need, reinforcing positive social behaviors.
Example Lesson: Coping with loss and grief
Explanation: Through Bren’s journey in the imaginary world of Furthermoor, the book addresses complex emotions associated with losing a loved one, depicted in a sensitive and accessible way.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand their feelings and provides them with strategies to deal with loss and grief, promoting emotional resilience.
Example Lesson: The significance of resilience
Explanation: Bren’s adventures in Furthermoor show him overcoming various challenges, teaching readers about perseverance and courage in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to face personal challenges with strength, learning that persistence can lead to overcoming obstacles in real life.
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting differences
Explanation: The diverse characters in Furthermoor, each with unique traits and backgrounds, promote inclusivity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: This story helps children appreciate diversity and fosters an inclusive attitude towards others who may appear different from themselves.
Example Lesson: The importance of imagination
Explanation: The fantastical elements of Furthermoor highlight the role of imagination in problem-solving and emotional expression.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their creativity as a tool for expressing emotions and ideas, boosting cognitive development and emotional intelligence.