Homebound
#2 in The Icarus Chronicles Series
on Goodreads (157)
What’s inside...
Beloved and bestselling author John David Anderson returns with the conclusion to the sci-fi coming-of-age tale that began in Stowaway. Leo Fender is no stranger to catastrophe, whether it's the intergalactic war that took his mother's life or the ongoing fight for his own. He's seen his planet plundered, his ship attacked, his father kidnapped, and his brother go missing--and found himself stranded on a ship with a bunch of mercenary space pirates. Still, nothing could have prepared him for the moment he and the crew tried to save his father...and discovered a dark plot that could destroy hundreds of worlds in the blink of an eye. Now Leo is adrift. His father has sent him on a mission with nothing but a data chip and a name of someone who could help, and Captain Bastian Black and the crew of the Icarus are determined to see this through to the end with Leo, to fulfill his father's wish and prevent further conflict. But as Leo searches for answers, he can't help but wonder what it would take to end the war, to track down his father and brother and return to whatever home they have left--and if the cost of doing so is one he would be able to pay.
Discussion points
How do you think the character felt when they were away from home?
What does 'home' mean to you?
Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge like the character did?
What would you have done differently if you were in the character's place?
What did you learn from the character's journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ask open-ended questions to let children express their thoughts and emotions about the story. Validate their feelings and share your own experiences related to the themes in the book. Encourage children to draw or act out their favorite scene, helping them connect deeper with the character’s experiences. Use descriptive language from the book to enhance their vocabulary and understanding of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: The protagonist faces various challenges while being confined to their home, demonstrating adaptability and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to adapt to new situations and cope with changes, such as moving to a new school or dealing with disruptions in their daily routine.
Example Lesson: Value of creativity and imagination
Explanation: The main character uses their imagination to transform mundane home settings into exciting adventures.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their creativity to solve problems and entertain themselves, stimulating mental growth and innovation.
Example Lesson: Understanding and expressing emotions
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist navigates a range of emotions, learning to express and manage them effectively.
Real-World Application: Helps children recognize their own emotions and develop healthy emotional expression and coping mechanisms.