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Sanctum

#2 of 3 in Asylum Series

3.88
on Goodreads (21,495)

What’s inside...

In 'Sanctum,' the spine-chilling sequel to 'Asylum,' Dan, Abby, and Jordan are haunted by their traumatic experiences at the Brookline asylum. When they receive mysterious photos of an old-time carnival, they are drawn back to New Hampshire College, where they discover the carnival is real and on campus. As they explore the eerie town of Camford and its dark past, the influence of the asylum looms larger than they ever anticipated, leading them to uncover long-buried secrets that threaten to envelop them once more.
In series
Series reading

Sequential

Age

14-17

Length

347 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Daniel Crawford
Jordan
Abigail Valdez

Discussion points

What do you think was the most challenging part for the characters in 'Sanctum'? How would you have handled it?
Can you describe a time when you felt like one of the characters in the book? What did you learn from their experience?
What do you think is the main message of 'Sanctum'? How does it apply to your life or the lives of people you know?
How do the characters in the book change from the beginning to the end? What causes these changes?
If you could give advice to any character in 'Sanctum', who would it be and what would you tell them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, fostering a deeper personal connection with the book's themes.
Discuss the decisions characters make and explore alternative choices, enhancing critical thinking skills.
Ask your child to summarize parts of the book in their own words, which can help reinforce comprehension and recall.
Create a comfortable and open environment for discussion, showing genuine interest in your child's thoughts and feelings about the book.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'undefined,' the protagonist, Sanctum, learns to understand and share the feelings of others in his quest, making heartfelt connections along the way.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by considering the feelings of friends and family members, helping them build stronger, empathetic relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Sanctum faces numerous challenges and learns to overcome his fears to help those around him, showcasing bravery in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their fears in real life scenarios, such as trying new activities or standing up for themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Sanctum encounters setbacks but never gives up, teaching perseverance despite obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids can reflect this in their daily tasks by continuing to work on difficult tasks at school or home despite challenges.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Sanctum builds meaningful friendships that play a key role in his journey, illustrating the importance of trust and companionship.
Real-World Application: Children learn to nurture friendships and understand the essential role they play in mutual growth and support.