Grounded for All Eternity
#1 in The Grounded Series
on Goodreads (421)
What’s inside...
A group of kids from the suburbs of hell accidentally venture to Earth on Halloween night. They inadvertently bring along an escaped soul from hell, causing chaos in Salem, Massachusetts. Together with new friends, Malachi and his friends must find a way to trap the soul, save Earth, and return home before their parents notice they're gone, risking an eternity of being grounded in hell.
Discussion points
How did the characters' actions lead to them being grounded, and what could they have done differently?
What did the characters learn about responsibility and consequences by the end of the story?
If you were in the same situation as the main character, what would you do?
How do the relationships between characters change throughout the book?
What are some ways the characters could make better choices if a similar situation happens again?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use the story as a way to discuss the importance of decision-making and consequences with your child. Encourage them to express what they might feel if they were in the characters' shoes, fostering empathy and better understanding. Highlight the moral lessons and invite your child to reflect on how these lessons can be applied in their own life. Help them connect the dots between actions and outcomes, both in the book and in real-world scenarios.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of responsibility
Explanation: The story illustrates the consequences of the protagonist's actions when they neglect their duties, leading to unintended challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take charge of their own tasks, such as completing homework or chores, understanding that their actions have impacts.
Example Lesson: Value of honesty
Explanation: The protagonist faces a pivotal moment where telling the truth rectifies a misunderstanding that almost lead to severe consequences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be truthful in their dealings with friends and family, promoting trust and integrity.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, the protagonist encounters various hurdles but perseveres to amend past mistakes, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist through their challenges whether in school or in personal life, understanding that perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Understanding and empathy
Explanation: The story promotes understanding others' perspectives through the protagonist's interactions with different characters who initially seem antagonistic.
Real-World Application: This can help children in developing empathy and improving their social interactions, teaching them to consider others' feelings and viewpoints.
Example Lesson: The power of forgiveness
Explanation: By the end of the book, the protagonist learns to forgive and seek forgiveness, highlighting the healing nature of forgiveness.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of reconciling with others, healing relationships, and moving forward from past mistakes.