The Maze Runner Series
The Kill Order
on Goodreads (237,298)
What’s inside...
The Kill Order is the prequel to the Maze Runner series. The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world and follows a group of survivors who are trying to find a cure for the Flare, a deadly disease that has ravaged the population.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-13
Length
327 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters' choices affect their chances of survival? Can you think of a time when you had to make a tough decision?
What did you think about the leadership styles shown in the book? Which leader would you choose to follow in a crisis?
The book deals with themes of chaos and order. In what ways did the characters find order in the midst of chaos?
Trust is a crucial element in 'The Kill Order.' Discuss a time when trust, or the lack of it, played a significant role in your life or in a current event.
If you were in a similar situation as the characters, what skills or knowledge do you think would be most important for survival?
Tip: Role play these questions
Validate your child's perspective before sharing your own, building a foundation of respect and open communication.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the book's events and real-world scenarios, enhancing their understanding and critical thinking.
Encourage them to express what they feel about the characters' dilemmas, which can lead to deeper moral and ethical discussions.
Discuss the emotional journey of the characters, which can help your child articulate their own emotions and develop empathy.
Prompt your child to consider alternative plot developments or endings, sparking their creativity and narrative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Kill Order', characters must collaborate to survive the harsh realities and challenges presented by the catastrophic events. The story illustrates that working together can lead to better survival strategies and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to work cooperatively with others in school projects or sports, understanding that collective effort often leads to greater success.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonists in 'The Kill Order' face extreme trials and setbacks, yet they continue to push forward. This highlights the power of human spirit and resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to persist through difficulties, whether they're struggling with academic challenges, personal issues, or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and decision making
Explanation: Throughout 'The Kill Order', characters often need to make quick and strategic decisions to navigate dangers. This demonstrates the necessity of thinking critically and evaluating options carefully.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these decision-making skills in their daily interactions and choices, learning to think ahead and weigh the outcomes of their actions.
Example Lesson: Ethics and morality
Explanation: The story presents complex scenarios involving moral dilemmas. It challenges characters to consider what is right and wrong in situations where the lines are blurred.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop a sense of morality and ethics, teaching them to consider not just the outcomes but the means of achieving them in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: As the world around them changes dramatically, characters in 'The Kill Order' must adapt to survive. The book showcases the importance of being flexible and adjusting to new realities.
Real-World Application: In a rapidly changing world, children can learn the importance of adapting to changes in their environment, whether it’s moving to a new place, changing schools, or adapting to new family dynamics.