The Last Station Master: A Boy, a Terrorist, a Secret, and Trouble
on Goodreads (19)
What’s inside...
On his grandparents remote North Carolina farm for the summer, Nate discovers there's more happening on the rambling property than anyone realizes. To stop a terrorist's plot and prevent a military disaster, he must unravel the clues around him and use what he learns about the farm, the Underground Railroad, and the lost secrets of an old ghost to become the Last Station Master.
Age
4-12
Length
186 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to make the choices they did in the story?
How do you think the secret affected the characters' decisions and interactions?
What would you have done if you were in the protagonist's shoes? Why?
How do the events in the book change the way you think about trust and secrets?
What lessons can we learn about facing challenges from the protagonist's journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think deeply about the characters' motivations by asking them to consider different perspectives.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented in the story and relate them to real-life situations to make the conversation more relatable.
Utilize pauses after each question to give your child time to formulate their thoughts and feelings.
Affirm your child's responses, highlighting their insights to foster confidence and closer engagement.
Connect the themes of the book to your child's personal experiences to enhance understanding and personal growth.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing adversity
Explanation: The protagonist demonstrates bravery when confronting dangerous and challenging situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of standing up for what is right and facing fears, even in difficult circumstances.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and trust
Explanation: Throughout the story, the bonds of friendship and trust are pivotal in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the value of building and maintaining trust in friendships to support and uplift each other.
Example Lesson: The power of resilience
Explanation: The main character encounters various challenges but remains resilient, showcasing the ability to recover from setbacks.
Real-World Application: Children learn to adapt and persevere through their own challenges, understanding that setbacks can lead to growth and strength.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist must use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to uncover secrets and overcome troubles.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and solve problems in creative ways, essential skills in academics and life.
Example Lesson: Moral integrity
Explanation: Faced with moral dilemmas, the protagonist must choose between easy options and doing what is right.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to evaluate their choices and consider the ethical implications of their actions in everyday life.