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Neptune's Tears

#1 in Timedance Series

3.19
on Goodreads (423)

What’s inside...

In 2218 A.D. London, seventeen-year-old intern empath Zee is focused on her job until she meets an attractive patient, David, who disrupts her calm. Despite learning that David is part of a mysterious alien race, Zee can't stay away. As London faces anarchist bombings and Zee grapples with her strong psychic abilities, David begins to distance himself due to undisclosed secrets. However, Zee is already too invested and determined to follow him, no matter the distance, as she loses her heart to the gray-eyed alien boy in 'Neptune's Tears' by Susan Waggoner.
In series
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

14-18

Length

224 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Tita
Cal
Zee Mcadams

Discussion points

What did you think about the world that Zee lives in? How does it compare to our world?
Zee faces many challenges throughout the story. Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge and how you overcame it?
The theme of love is central to 'Neptune's Tears.' How do you think love influences the decisions characters make in the book?
If you could have any of the futuristic gadgets from the book, which one would you choose and why?
What do you think the main message of the book is, and how can we apply it to our daily lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you discuss 'Neptune's Tears,' show genuine curiosity in your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking.
Relate the futuristic elements of the book to current technology advancements to make the conversation more relatable.
Discuss the emotions and motivations of the characters to help develop your child's empathy and understanding of complex feelings.
Use examples from the book to talk about problem-solving and resilience, highlighting how characters adapt to new challenges.
End your reading session by asking your child to summarize what they enjoyed about the book and what they learned, reinforcing key messages.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: In 'Neptune's Tears,' the protagonist, Zee, navigates a world where humans and empathic aliens coexist. Through her experiences, Zee learns to appreciate and embrace the differences between these cultures.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate the diversity in their own lives, understanding and respecting people from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Emotional Intelligence
Explanation: The empathic abilities of the aliens in the story highlight the significance of understanding and managing one's emotions as well as empathizing with others. Zee's interactions with them deepen her emotional insights.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children recognize the importance of being aware of their emotions and the feelings of others, fostering empathy and better interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Change and Uncertainty
Explanation: As events unfold in 'Neptune's Tears,' Zee confronts unexpected challenges that disrupt her world, teaching her to adapt and find resilience amidst change.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cope with changes and uncertainties in their own lives, such as moving to a new school or facing family changes, by developing resilience and adaptability.
Example Lesson: Courage to Stand Up for What is Right
Explanation: Zee faces moral dilemmas that test her integrity and courage. Her choices reflect her bravery in standing up for her beliefs, even when it's difficult.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to act with integrity and bravery when faced with tough choices, standing up for what they believe in, irrespective of peer pressure or challenges.
Example Lesson: Value of Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Zee's quest for knowledge about the empathic aliens and their technology drives much of the plot, underscoring the value of curiosity and continuous learning.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to remain curious and enthusiastic about learning, exploring new subjects, asking questions, and seeking out new experiences that expand their understanding of the world.