Need
#1 in Need Series
on Goodreads (8,478)
What’s inside...
Teenagers at Wisconsin's Nottawa High School are lured into a social networking site that promises to fulfill their every need, regardless of the consequences. As the site becomes more sinister, simple pranks escalate into malicious crimes and the body count increases. This chilling YA thriller explores the dark sides of social media and human nature.
Character compass
Kaylee Dunham
Dj Dunham
Nate
Discussion points
How do you feel about the characters' decisions to use the NEED network in the book?
What would you do if you were offered something you really wanted, but had to do something questionable in return?
Can you think of any situations in real life where people might face similar choices as the characters in 'Need'?
Why do you think trust is important in online interactions and friendships?
How do the events in the book change your understanding of safety and privacy on the internet?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' actions without judgment, fostering an open and honest dialogue.
Discuss the consequences of the characters' decisions and relate them to everyday decisions and their potential impacts.
Explore the theme of trust and ask your child about their insights on trusting people online versus in person.
Talk about internet safety and privacy, using examples from the book to illustrate why they are important.
Use the book's scenarios to ask your child about their own values and what they would hold onto if faced with difficult choices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of making ethical choices
Explanation: In 'Need', the characters face situations where they must decide between right and wrong when offered their deepest desires. The story emphasizes the consequences of their decisions.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their choices have consequences and are encouraged to think about ethics and morality in their daily interactions and decisions.
Example Lesson: Understanding the impact of peer pressure
Explanation: The plot unravels as characters succumb to or resist peer pressure to join a dangerous social network. It shows both negative and positive outcomes based on their decisions.
Real-World Application: This can help children recognize peer pressure in school or among friends and teach them the value of standing firm in their beliefs and making independent choices.
Example Lesson: The value of privacy and the dangers of oversharing online
Explanation: Throughout 'Need', characters deal with the repercussions of sharing too much personal information on an anonymous platform, which leads to perilous situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of protecting their personal information and the potential dangers of oversharing on social media or other online platforms.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and skepticism
Explanation: The protagonist questions the true intentions behind the so-called benevolent platform, leading to a deeper investigation. This highlights the significance of not taking things at face value.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to question and analyze information before accepting it, fostering a habit of critical thinking that is vital in the digital age.
Example Lesson: Consequences of exploiting others for personal gain
Explanation: As the story progresses, characters who use others to fulfill their desires face dire outcomes, teaching a lesson about exploitation and selfishness.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of empathy and the negative impact of using others for personal benefit, promoting more compassionate interactions.