The Darkness Outside Us
#1 of 2 in The Darkness Outside Us Series
on Goodreads (27,654)
What’s inside...
Two boys, alone in space. After the first settler on Titan trips her distress signal, neither remaining country on Earth can afford to scramble a rescue of its own, and so two sworn enemies are installed in the same spaceship. Ambrose wakes up on the Coordinated Endeavor, with no memory of a launch. There’s more that doesn’t add up: Evidence indicates strangers have been on board, the ship’s operating system is voiced by his mother, and his handsome, brooding shipmate has barricaded himself away. But nothing will stop Ambrose from making his mission succeed—not when he’s rescuring his own sister. In order to survive the ship’s secrets, Ambrose and Kodiak will need to work together and learn to trust one another… especially once they discover what they are truly up against. Love might be the only way to survive.
Discussion points
What do you think motivates the characters to keep going despite the challenges they face?
How do the characters change throughout the story, and what do you think causes these changes?
What would you do if you were in the same situation as the main characters?
How does the setting of outer space affect the story and the characters' actions?
What themes in the book stood out to you, and why do you think they are important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story's environment and situations to deepen their understanding of the characters' decisions. Use comparisons to real-life scenarios to make the discussion more relatable. Acknowledge complex emotions and moral dilemmas presented in the book to help your child grasp sophisticated themes. Lastly, highlight the importance of perseverance and teamwork showcased in the book, tying them back to everyday learning and personal growth.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'The Darkness Outside Us,' characters navigate complex relationships and challenges, learning to understand and empathize with each other’s perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to listen and understand differing viewpoints among peers and family, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Cooperation and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must work together to solve problems and overcome obstacles, highlighting the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of working cooperatively in group settings such as school projects or sports teams, enhancing their ability to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The story showcases characters facing unexpected and difficult situations, yet they persist and adapt to their circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of resilience and the importance of pushing forward despite setbacks, which is crucial in facing academic and personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge
Explanation: The book's setting and plot encourage exploration and the quest for understanding, even when the truth seems out of reach.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to be inquisitive and proactive in their learning endeavors, whether it's in solving a math problem or conducting a science experiment.
Example Lesson: Integrity and honesty
Explanation: Characters in the book learn the importance of being truthful and maintaining moral integrity, even when faced with difficult choices.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the impact of their choices and the importance of honesty in building trust and credibility with others.