Illuminae: The Illuminae Files
#1 of 3 in The Illuminae Files Series
on Goodreads (157,076)
What’s inside...
Kady and Ezra thought breaking up was tough, but their problems escalate when their planet is invaded by two warring mega-corporations in the year 2575. Forced to evacuate under enemy fire, the exes must confront a mutating plague, a possibly treacherous AI, and a lack of transparency from leadership as they struggle to survive. Kady must rely on her hacking skills and her ex-boyfriend Ezra to uncover the truth. 'Illuminae' is presented through a collection of hacked documents, offering a unique and thrilling reading experience in this first book of a compelling trilogy.
Character compass
Kady Grant
Byron Zhang
Ezra Mason
Captain Ann Chau
Syra Boll
SPIRO
Aidan
Discussion points
How do you think Kady and Ezra's relationship changed over the course of their journey?
What role do you think Artificial Intelligence played in the story, and what are your thoughts about AI in real life?
What personal strengths helped Kady survive the challenges she faced?
What would you have done if you were in Kady's situation on the spaceship?
How does the unique format of the book -- with emails, IMs, and reports -- affect your understanding of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the emotional and psychological aspects of Kady and Ezra’s experiences, encouraging empathy and understanding from your child.
Discuss the ethical questions raised by the use of Artificial Intelligence and technology in the book, relating them to real-world scenarios.
Encourage your child to compare and contrast their own problem-solving skills with those displayed by characters in the book.
Use the book’s format to discuss with your child how different styles of communication can change our perception of events and information.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout 'Illuminae', characters are faced with complex problems that they must solve to survive. The protagonists, Kady and Ezra, use their intelligence and resourcefulness to navigate challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply critical thinking to solve problems they face in school or in social situations, learning to analyze situations and think strategically.
Example Lesson: Ethics and moral decision-making
Explanation: The characters in 'Illuminae' often face difficult moral choices, particularly around the use of artificial intelligence and corporate governance, compelling readers to think about the consequences of their actions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think about the impact of their choices on others and to develop a sense of empathy and justice.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Kady and Ezra must work together, despite personal differences, to tackle the challenges they face. Their survival depends on their ability to cooperate and combine their skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn that working with others, often incorporating varying viewpoints, can lead to successful outcomes in group projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonists show great resilience, constantly overcoming physical and psychological challenges, showing that perseverance is key.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of resilience, helping them understand that persistence and courage are important when facing difficulties in life.
Example Lesson: The impact of technology on society
Explanation: The story explores themes of artificial intelligence and technological advancements, prompting reflections on how technology shapes human experience and ethics.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children think critically about how they use technology in their own lives and its broader effects on society.