Shattered Warrior
on Goodreads (1,970)
What’s inside...
It's been eight years since Colleen Cavenaugh's home world was conquered by the Derichets, aliens set on harvesting the planet's resources for their warships. Living alone in a rural area, Colleen's life changes when Jann and the rebel gang, the Chromatti, arrive. Now, she must decide whether to risk her life and join the underground revolution against the Derichets to free her world. Authors Sharon Shinn and Molly Knox Ostertag combine their talents to create a tale of courage, revenge, and romance in a fallen world.
Age
13-17
Length
253 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Colleen Cavanaugh
Jann
Lucy
Discussion points
How did Colleen's character change throughout the story, and what caused these changes?
What do you think are the main themes of 'Shattered Warrior'? How do these themes relate to our world today?
How do the relationships between characters influence their decisions and actions?
What role do resilience and hope play in the story?
If you were in Colleen’s shoes, how would you have handled the challenges she faced?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, link the story’s themes to real-life situations to make them more relatable.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' decisions, fostering empathy and ethical reasoning.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at pivotal moments in the book to develop their analytical thinking.
Use the book’s illustrations to discuss the story’s mood and how it enhances the narrative.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw or write about their favorite scene, deepening their connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: In 'Shattered Warrior', the protagonist faces overwhelming challenges but demonstrates resilience by continuing to fight for her beliefs and protect her loved ones.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain steadfast and determined even when facing difficulties, reinforcing their ability to cope with setbacks in school or in personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Importance of alliances
Explanation: The story shows that forming alliances, even with unlikely individuals, can be pivotal in overcoming obstacles and achieving goals.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of teamwork and collaboration, encouraging them to work with others, both in academic projects and in their community.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters in the book often need to understand others’ perspectives to navigate their world safely and make informed decisions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider how others might feel or react, which can help them develop stronger interpersonal relationships and reduce conflicts.
Example Lesson: The power of courage
Explanation: In several instances, characters must muster courage to confront their fears or stand up against injustices in their society, showcasing the transformative power of bravery.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to face their own fears and stand up for what they believe is right, equipping them with moral fortitude for life’s various trials.