Oculum Echo (The Children of Oculum Book 2)
#2 of 2 in The Children Of Oculum Series
on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
The explosions come in the night. Miranda1, Mannfred, Grannie, and the one thousand children of Oculum must flee their farm, chased by the UnRuly and their bombs. Just as they begin their journey through the wasteland and towards the safety of the green valley, Echo1 wakes from an eighty-three-year sleep and is given a mission to find the four domes of the children of Oculum, and to find the First One, whatever the cost. On the run from the UnRuly and their stolen weapons, the children endure plague and Black Rain. Yet, there is a whisper of hope. William1 and Jonatan Briar, two of the literate, ride to the northern sea to read a rare book, a book that will illuminate the secret to their survival. Echo1 searches the wasteland for life and faces a choice: who must be protected in this new world? And what must be destroyed?
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to act the way they did?
How would you feel if you were in a similar situation as the protagonist?
What are some lessons the characters learned during their journey?
If you could change one event in the story, what would it be and why?
How do you think the story would continue from where it ended?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s scenarios freely. Use the characters' dilemmas and resolutions to draw parallels to real-life situations your child might face, enhancing their understanding and empathy. Allow them to hypothesize different outcomes to foster creative and critical thinking. Lastly, reinforce the moral lessons from the book to help guide their personal development.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Oculum Echo', the protagonists must collaborate to solve challenges and overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn that working together with others can help solve problems more efficiently, whether at school or in play.
Example Lesson: Valuing diversity
Explanation: The characters in the book come from diverse backgrounds and have unique abilities, which are crucial to their success.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to appreciate and embrace differences in others around them, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and leadership
Explanation: One of the main characters takes on a leadership role, making critical decisions for the group.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn about the role of leadership and responsibility, encouraging them to take initiative in tasks and group activities.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in adversity
Explanation: The characters face numerous setbacks but continue to push forward towards their goals.
Real-World Application: Children will understand the value of persistence even when facing difficulties, aiding them in both academic and personal growth.
Example Lesson: The power of curiosity and knowledge
Explanation: Throughout 'Oculum Echo', the protagonists' quest for knowledge is a significant plot driver, leading them to new discoveries.
Real-World Application: This demonstrates to children how seeking knowledge can lead to new opportunities and understanding of the world.