The After-Room: The Apothecary
#3 of 3 in The Apothecary Series
What’s inside...
It’s 1955, and Benjamin Burrows and Janie Scott are trying to live a safe, normal life in America. It’s not easy, when they have the power to prevent nuclear disaster, and sinister forces are circling. Soon the advice of a mysterious, unscrupulous magician propels Janie and Benjamin into danger, and toward the land of the dead.
Meanwhile, their friend Jin Lo washes up on a remote island where an American spy is stationed, and finds herself on the trail of a deadly threat in China. But she’s on the other side of the world—how can Janie and Benjamin reach her?
The triumphant finale in the trilogy that began with Maile Meloy’s bestselling, critically acclaimed The Apothecary , and continued in its captivating sequel, The Apprentices , The After-Room is full of enchantment and heart, with Ian Schoenherr’s stunning illustrations throughout.
Why read this book
- Blends historical elements with magical realism.
- Enhances vocabulary and historical knowledge.
- Encourages curiosity and adventure.
- Supports development of analytical skills.
Character compass
Janie Scott
Jin
Pip
Benjamin Burrows
Discussion points
What decisions would you make if you were Janie in the story, and why?
How do you think the characters' abilities to use magic influence their relationships with others?
What lessons can we learn about trust and friendship from Janie and Benjamin’s adventures?
How does the setting of the story contribute to the overall mood and plot development?
If you had the power to create a magical potion, what would it do and who would you use it for?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the characters' shoes, imagining how they would feel and react in similar situations.
Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the characters to guide your child in understanding and articulating their own values.
Utilize the historical aspects of the book to spark curiosity about the real-life events and time periods referenced.
After reading, watch related movies or shows with similar themes of magic and adventure to see how they compare and differ from the book’s portrayals.
Create a fun activity where your child invents their own magical potion, describing its ingredients and magical properties, to help foster creativity and tie it back to the story’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'The After-Room', the protagonists, Janie and Benjamin, must work together along with their friends to solve complex problems and face various challenges. Their collaborative efforts are key to deciphering mysteries and overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that working as a team, whether in school projects or during sports, allows for pooling different talents and ideas, facilitating better outcomes and solutions to problems.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and accountability
Explanation: As Janie and Benjamin deal with the power of the apothecary’s book, they learn about the responsibilities that come with handling powerful knowledge. The characters must make ethical decisions about how to use this knowledge, showcasing their growth and responsibility.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being responsible for their actions and being accountable for the consequences, whether it's completing their homework on time or owning up to mistakes.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: In 'The After-Room,' the characters face numerous setbacks as they try to prevent a nuclear disaster. Despite the adversities, they persist with their mission, teaching the value of determination and perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to keep striving towards their goals, despite difficulties or failures, whether it's learning a new skill or improving in a subject at school.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: The storyline involves the characters making choices that could potentially have global repercussions. This highlights the importance of considering the broader impacts of one’s actions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by learning to think about how their actions affect others around them, encouraging empathy and foresight in their daily interactions.