Pacifica
on Goodreads (913)
What’s inside...
Marin Carey, a pirate born into corsario royalty, distrusts a lottery promising an island paradise for 500 winners. She knows the seas well and suspects a con. Meanwhile, she faces challenges at home, where a new leader oppresses her people and a big score is her only hope for saving them. Ross, the president's son, longing for adventure, ends up entangled with Marin when trying to rescue his friend Adam from local race riots. Together, Marin and Ross navigate danger and betrayal, and Marin must decide if she can sacrifice Ross, who sees her as more than just a pirate, to save her people.
Age
13-18
Length
384 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Marin
Ross
Adam
Discussion points
How do you think Ross and Adam felt when they decided to help Marin, despite the risks involved?
What lessons can we learn from the challenges they faced?
If you were in Marin’s shoes, how would you try to make a difference in your community?
What does the story of 'Pacifica' teach us about friendship and trust?
How do you think the world in 'Pacifica' compares to our world today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes and asking your child what they found most interesting. Encourage them to express their opinions and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences when possible. Highlight the importance of the characters' decisions and ask your child how they might act in similar situations. This not only enhances understanding of the book but also helps develop empathy and decision-making skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: In 'Pacifica', characters must collaborate to survive and overcome challenges, demonstrating how working together can achieve greater outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities or team sports, learning to cooperate and value each member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Value of Courage and Resilience
Explanation: The protagonists face numerous obstacles and threats, yet their courage and resilience drive them to push forward, exemplifying how to confront fears and adversities.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to face their personal challenges, be it learning a new skill or standing up for what is right, fostering a brave and resilient spirit.
Example Lesson: Preservation of Environment
Explanation: The story highlights the impacts of environmental degradation and the importance of sustainable practices through its setting and plot conflicts.
Real-World Application: This can remind children to be mindful of their environmental impact, promoting activities like recycling, conserving water, or participating in local clean-up days.
Example Lesson: Understanding Diversity
Explanation: Characters from different backgrounds and societal roles must learn to understand and respect each other's differences, championing diversity and inclusion.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate and celebrate diversity in their communities, encouraging inclusivity and empathy towards others regardless of their background.