The Girl Who Fell To Earth
on Goodreads (113)
What’s inside...
Written by the newly-appointed Laureate na nÓg, this speculative middle-grade novel follows Aria, a girl from a well-ordered planet where illness and death have been eradicated. Earth, their 'shadow planet', was populated by humans centuries ago for experimental observation. As the experiment concludes, Aria travels to Earth to initiate a catastrophic sequence but is conflicted when she learns of her human heritage and experiences the vibrancy of human emotions and relationships. Faced with the moral dilemma, Aria grapples with the choice of carrying out her mission or saving humanity.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when she landed on Earth? What would you do in her situation?
What are some ways the girl tried to adapt to her new surroundings? Which one do you think was the most effective?
Who was your favorite character in the story besides the main character, and why?
What does the idea of home mean to you, and how does it compare to the girl's sense of home in the story?
If you could ask the girl one question about her journey, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, provide a brief backdrop of the story to spark curiosity and set the stage for contextual understanding.
As you read through the book with your child, pause at pivotal moments to explore their feelings and predictions about the story.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s experiences, such as moves or transitions they have faced, to deepen personal connections with the narrative.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios, enhancing their creative thinking and engagement with the story.
After finishing the book, use the questions to inspire a deeper conversation, helping the child articulate their thoughts and reflections.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage to Face the Unknown
Explanation: The protagonist of 'The Girl Who Fell To Earth' embarks on an adventurous journey that requires bravery in the face of unfamiliar circumstances and challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to embrace new experiences, whether starting a new school, attempting a new sport, or making new friends, with confidence and courage.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, the main character encounters obstacles but continues to push forward with determination and resilience.
Real-World Application: This story provides a model for children to persist in their goals despite difficulties, teaching them the value of determination in achieving success.
Example Lesson: Environmental Responsibility
Explanation: The book integrates themes of protecting the planet, showing how the character's actions help preserve her environment.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be mindful of their environmental impact, promoting behaviors like recycling, conserving water, and understanding the importance of biodiversity.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: As the protagonist forges new bonds in her journey, the story highlights how friendships can provide support and enhance resilience during challenging times.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to cultivate meaningful relationships and rely on teamwork and mutual support in both school and extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through interactions with characters from different backgrounds, the protagonist learns to understand and value diverse perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect individual differences, fostering an inclusive attitude towards classmates and others in their community.