Sunker's Deep (The Icebreaker Trilogy, 2)
#2 in The Hidden Series
on Goodreads (329)
What’s inside...
Action, adventure, and mystery surround the Sunkers, a band of children who live in a submarine, as they try to survive a war in Sunker's Deep, Book Two of the Icebreaker Trilogy by Lian Tanner. Sharkey is a Sunker—he was born on a fortunate tide, and everyone in the giant submersible Rampart knows it. The trouble is his life is based on a lie. He's been a fake hero for years, but when tragedy strikes, he must become a real one. And he has no idea how to go about it. Meanwhile, on land, Petrel, Fin, and the crew of the Oyster are on a mission to bring lost knowledge back into the world, a mission they have no idea how to carry out. 'Non-stop action against a magical backdrop; this is a wonderful world to get lost in.' —Catherine Jinks, author of the Evil Genius trilogy Complete the Icebreaker Trilogy: Icebreaker, Sunker's Deep, Battlesong
Character compass
Petrel
Fin
Sharkey
Discussion points
What are the main challenges that the characters face in 'Sunker's Deep' and how do they overcome them?
What role does friendship play in the story? Can you think of a time when a friend helped you like they did in the book?
How does the setting of the deep sea influence the events and the lives of the characters? What would you do if you were there?
What lessons do you think the book teaches about trust and leadership?
If you could change one thing in the book, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to summarize the book in their own words, to gauge their understanding and recall of the story.
Encourage them to relate the story’s themes and characters with their own experiences, building a personal connection with the narrative.
Discuss the moral and ethical decisions made by the characters, asking your child what they would have done differently and why.
Use the book's setting and plot as a springboard to explore additional educational topics such as marine biology or history related to sea exploration.
End the discussion with asking your child how this book influences their view on friendship, leadership, or any other central theme, reinforcing the developmental and educational value of reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: In 'Sunker's Deep,' characters face challenging and dangerous situations, demonstrating bravery and determination.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own challenges with courage and to understand that overcoming obstacles is part of life.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the novel, characters must work together to navigate the treacherous undersea world, illustrating the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children learn that teamwork can lead to achieving goals that might seem impossible individually.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist and his allies persist through setbacks and hardships, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persisting in their efforts, regardless of the difficulties, in order to reach their goals.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: The story's setting and plot incorporate themes involving the preservation of the underwater world, highlighting the importance of caring for our environment.
Real-World Application: It prompts children to think about how their actions impact the environment and stresses the importance of conservation.
Example Lesson: Ethics and morality
Explanation: Characters in 'Sunker's Deep' grapple with complex moral dilemmas, fostering a sense of ethics.
Real-World Application: It aids children in understanding the complexity of right and wrong and encourages them to think critically about ethical issues.