Sky on Fire
#2 of 3 in Monument 14 Series
on Goodreads (12,245)
What’s inside...
Trapped inside a superstore, fourteen kids have worked together to create a refuge while a series of escalating disasters, including a monster hailstorm and a terrifying chemical weapons spill, mean they cannot leave. Then strangers appeared, destroying their fragile peace, but also bringing a glimmer of hope. Knowing that the polluted air outside will turn them into bloodthirsty rage monsters, some of the kids decide to stay in the safety of the store. But their sanctuary has already been disturbed once. The others, determined to find their parents, head out into the darkness and devastation in their recently repaired school bus. If they can get to Denver International Airport, they might be evacuated to safety. But the outside world is even worse than they expected.
Character compass
Dean Grieder
Alex Grieder
Sahalia
Astrid Heyman
Josie
Jake
Niko
Discussion points
What did you think about the way the characters handled the challenges in the story?
How did the setting of 'Sky on Fire' make you feel, and why do you think the author chose that setting?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
What is one lesson you learned from the story that you think is important?
If you could change one thing in the book, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your thoughts and feelings about the book to set an open, communicative tone.
Encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings about the story, even if they differ from your own.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to delve deeper into their understanding and interpretation of the book.
Link the themes or lessons of the book to real-life scenarios or personal experiences to make the discussion more relatable and impactful.
Praise your child's insights and contributions to the conversation to boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts and ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: In 'Sky on Fire', characters must collaborate to overcome challenges, demonstrating that teamwork is essential for success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working together with others to achieve common goals, whether in school projects or in playing sports.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The story showcases characters facing difficult situations with courage and persistence, teaching that resilience is key to overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that they can face their own challenges with determination and not easily give up, whether it be in learning new skills or dealing with personal setbacks.
Example Lesson: Importance of Communication
Explanation: Characters in the book often rely on clear communication to solve problems and avoid misunderstandings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by practicing open and honest communication in their interactions with family and friends, which can lead to better relationships and mutual understanding.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through interactions between diverse characters, the book highlights the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be empathetic towards their peers and strive to understand situations from others' points of view, fostering a more inclusive environment.