Passenger
#1 of 2 in Passenger Series
on Goodreads (41,865)
What’s inside...
In one devastating night, violin prodigy Etta Spencer loses everything she knows and loves. Thrust into an unfamiliar world by a stranger with a dangerous agenda, Etta discovers she has traveled not just miles but years from home, inheriting a legacy she knows nothing about from a family she's never heard of. Nicholas Carter, content with his life at sea, encounters Etta as an unusual passenger on his ship. The Ironwoods, a powerful family in the colonies, are searching for a stolen object of untold value that they believe only Etta can find. Together, Etta and Nicholas embark on a perilous journey across centuries and continents, piecing together clues and unraveling the dangerous game the Ironwoods are playing, which threatens to separate Etta not only from Nicholas but from her path home forever.
Character compass
Etta Spencer
Nicholas Carter
Sophia Ironwood
Cyrus Ironwood
Rose Spencer
Alice
Discussion points
How do you think Etta felt when she discovered her ability to time travel? Can you relate to her emotions?
Why is it important for Etah and Nicholas to trust each other? What can we learn from their teamwork?
How do the different time periods they visit change Etta and Nicholas's perspective on their own lives?
What do you think motivates the Ironwood family, and how does that affect the other characters?
If you had the ability to time travel, which time period would you go to and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their feelings and thoughts with Etta’s, fostering empathy and deeper understanding of the character’s emotions.
Discuss the concept of trust and its importance in relationships, drawing parallels between your child’s experiences and those of Etta and Nicholas.
Use the historical settings in the book as a fun prompt to explore history together, looking up facts about the different periods Etta and Nicholas travel to.
Explore themes of power and responsibility by discussing the motivations of the Ironwood family and their impact on the story.
Stimulate creativity by asking your child where they would travel to if they had the power to time travel, and what they would do in that time period.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of understanding history
Explanation: In 'Passenger', the protagonist Etta is thrust into different historical eras, learning about the people and events of those times. This deepens her understanding of the world and her own heritage.
Real-World Application: Children learn that history is not just a series of dates, but a vibrant tapestry of stories that shape our present and future. It encourages them to explore history to gain insights and perspectives.
Example Lesson: Personal growth through adversity
Explanation: Throughout the novel, Etta faces numerous challenges that test her in ways she never expected. Her evolution in handling these situations speaks to the growth that comes from overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This story can teach children that facing difficulties can lead to personal development and increased resilience. It encourages them to approach challenges with courage and determination.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Etta and Nicholas, despite their vast differences in background and experiences, work together to achieve their goals. This cooperation highlights the strength found in collaborative efforts.
Real-World Application: The narrative demonstrates the effectiveness of working with others towards common goals. It instills the value of collaboration and teaches children the importance of respecting diverse viewpoints and skills.
Example Lesson: Responsibility towards others
Explanation: As Etta travels through time, she realizes the impact of her actions on those around her and in different time periods. This awareness fosters a sense of responsibility.
Real-World Application: This imparts the important lesson that our actions have consequences, encouraging children to think about how what they do can affect others, fostering empathy and conscientious behavior.