Strange Lands: YA Otherworldly Fantasy Adventure (Heroes of Distant Planets Book 1)
Heroes Of Distant Planets Series
on Goodreads (34)
What’s inside...
Powerful and uplifting, Strange Lands cleverly takes you away from Earth to a planet where the mysteries are as strange as the darkest shadows. In order for Allan to get home, he must fight the foulest creature. Millions of lives hang in the balance, but so does Allan's. Can he survive and rise to be a hero? This adventure is so thrilling and unlike anything you've ever read, you'll be hooked until the last page. Follow Allan's path of self discovery, and watch him take back what he's lost. Strange Lands is a spine tingling adventure, with exciting twists & turns. A perfect and inspiring read for 10 and up.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-16
Length
220 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Alistair Oh
Jibbawk
Discussion points
What do you think motivates the characters to embark on their adventure in 'Strange Lands'?
How do the characters change throughout their journey? Can you relate to any of these changes?
If you could possess any ability from the characters in the book, which one would it be and why?
Which part of the otherworldly setting did you find most intriguing, and how does it compare to our world?
How do the friendships in the book impact the characters' decisions and their adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by sharing your thoughts on the book and then invite your child to express their opinions and feelings about the story.
Encourage your child to visualize the otherworldly settings and characters, and ask them to describe these visualizations.
For each character your child resonates with, delve deeper into understanding why they feel connected to that character.
Connect themes of the book with real-life situations, such as discussions about bravery, friendship, and making difficult choices.
End your discussion by asking your child to imagine an alternative ending to the book or a continuation of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in Facing Unknown Challenges
Explanation: The protagonists in 'Strange Lands' embark on thrilling adventures across unknown planets, demonstrating bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of courage when confronting new or challenging situations in school or in their personal lives.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship and Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the characters rely on each other's strengths to overcome obstacles, illustrating the power of camaraderie and cooperation.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of working together and supporting friends to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Leadership
Explanation: The young heroes take charge in dire situations, making crucial decisions that affect their group and their mission.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to develop leadership qualities and understand the responsibility that comes with making decisions that impact others.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: Encounters with various beings and cultures in the story highlight the importance of understanding and respecting differences.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate diversity in their own communities and learn to interact respectfully with people from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and Problem-Solving
Explanation: The characters frequently adjust their plans and come up with creative solutions in response to new challenges on different planets.
Real-World Application: Children learn the skills of adaptability and problem-solving which are crucial for navigating everyday life and overcoming obstacles.