In the Red
on Goodreads (253)
What’s inside...
Michael Prasad knows he shouldn’t go out on the Mars surface alone due to its dangers and his anxiety. However, swayed by his best friend Lilith, they sneak out one night in a stolen rover. During their adventure, a massive solar flare strikes, knocking out essential systems and leaving them stranded hours from their colony. With limited supplies and facing deadly radiation, Michael and Lilith must risk everything to survive and return to their colony.
Age
8-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Michael
Lilith
Discussion points
How do you think Michael felt when he was faced with challenges on Mars? What would you do in his situation?
What are some ways Michael showed bravery and intelligence throughout the story?
In what ways did teamwork play a role in the survival of the characters?
How do you think the setting of Mars affects the story and the characters' decisions?
What did you learn about Mars and space exploration from reading this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the character's situations, relating them to any personal challenges they might have faced.
Discuss the scientific elements introduced in the book, like life on Mars and space travel, to foster curiosity about astronomy and science.
Highlight the importance of resilience and teamwork as demonstrated by Michael and his crew, and relate these to real-life aspects such as school projects or family activities.
Ask your child to imagine their own space adventure story, encouraging creative thinking and enhancing their connection with the book's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: In the book, the protagonist Michael faces numerous challenges, including being stranded in a hostile environment on Mars. His ability to stay calm, strategize, and push through obstacles demonstrates the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply resilience by handling everyday setbacks with a positive attitude and viewing them as opportunities to learn and grow. Whether it’s dealing with a bad grade or a personal setback, the ability to bounce back is crucial.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout 'In the Red', Michael uses his knowledge and available resources to come up with solutions to life-threatening problems. This highlights the importance of using critical thinking and problem-solving skills in dire situations.
Real-World Application: Kids can use problem-solving skills in scenarios like working through a difficult math problem, resolving conflicts with friends, or managing their time for school projects.
Example Lesson: The Value of Teamwork
Explanation: Michael learns to collaborate with others to enhance his chances of survival. The story showcases how teamwork can often lead to better solutions than working alone.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of collaborating in group tasks at school or during sports, helping them understand that diverse ideas improve overall outcomes.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Fears
Explanation: Facing the unknown of the Martian surface, Michael conquers his fears to survive. The narrative teaches that courage is not the absence of fear, but the determination to confront and overcome it.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace this lesson by facing their own fears, such as trying out for a sports team, speaking in front of a class, or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Importance of Preparation and Education
Explanation: Michael's survival is heavily reliant on his previous education and training. This underscores how preparation and learning can equip individuals to handle unforeseen circumstances.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to pay attention to their education and continuously seek knowledge, as it prepares them to tackle various challenges in life.