Lockdown
Orca Soundings Series
on Goodreads (273)
What’s inside...
Some days it's just easier not to go to school at all. Adam has been slacking off lately, but today he stuck around to see his girlfriend. When Josh, who has been bullied mercilessly, brings a gun to school, the building is locked down and Adam is forced to risk everything to save himself and to find Zoe before Josh does. Calling on reserves he didn't know he had, Adam could end up a hero—or a victim.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-17
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Zoe Adam Chase Natalie Ms. Topett
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt during the lockdown, and what would you feel in a similar situation?
What are some ways the characters tried to solve their problems in the story? Can you think of any other solutions?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
Why is teamwork important in challenging situations like the one in 'Lockdown'?
What did you learn from this story that you could use in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and relate it to their own experiences.
Discuss the significance of each character's decisions and actions, prompting your child to consider different perspectives.
Use examples from the book to teach valuable life lessons, such as the importance of staying calm under pressure.
Highlight the resilience displayed by characters and ask your child how resilience can be applied in their daily life.
Praise your child's responses and insights, fostering an open and positive reading environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'Lockdown,' the characters face a daunting situation as they are confined to their classroom during a lockdown. Through their experiences, the narrative demonstrates how they adapt and cope with their fears.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to manage their emotions and remain calm during unexpected and challenging situations, enhancing their ability to face difficulties in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The story shows how students must collaborate and support each other to navigate the crisis effectively. This cooperation is pivotal for their survival and maintaining order.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to value and practice teamwork in group activities at school or in sports, understanding that collective effort can lead to greater success.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Characters in 'Lockdown' are forced to make quick decisions and think creatively to handle the complex situation they are in, illustrating effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of thinking critically and finding solutions to obstacles they encounter in daily tasks or school projects.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: As the students deal with their own fears, they also learn to understand and empathize with their peers' feelings and perspectives during the lockdown.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate the importance of being empathetic towards friends and family, fostering stronger and more supportive relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Despite the terrifying circumstances, the characters in the book demonstrate courage by confronting their fears head-on, which is crucial to their emotional and physical survival during the lockdown.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to act bravely when facing their own fears, whether it's trying out new activities, standing up for themselves, or dealing with changes around them.