The Lightning Catcher
#1 in Lightning Catcher Series
on Goodreads (110)
What’s inside...
'The Lightning Catcher' by Clare Weze is a thrilling, science-packed novel that follows young Alfie as he navigates his new life in Folding Ford, a town with bizarre weather phenomena. Missing the city and feeling out of place, Alfie, along with his sister and new friend Sam, starts investigating the strange occurrences. Their main lead is Nathaniel Clemm, an eccentric resident with a garden that hides a mysterious box. When Alfie slightly illegally opens the box, a creature escapes, sparking a series of electrifying events that put Alfie at the center of a perfect storm. This novel combines humor, action, and heart, making it ideal for fans of adventure stories like 'Skellig' and 'Stranger Things.'
Character compass
Alfie
Mr Clemm
Discussion points
What would you do if you had the ability to control the weather? How would you use it?
How do the friendships in the story change or grow? Can you relate to any of these friendships?
What emotions did you feel when Angus discovered his special abilities? Have you ever discovered something surprising about yourself?
How does the setting of the story influence the events? Can you imagine the story taking place somewhere else?
What lessons do you think Angus learns throughout his adventures? Do you think these lessons are important in real life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in their responses and encourage them to elaborate on their thoughts.
Relate personal experiences or similar stories to the situations in the book to make the conversation more relatable.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to delve deeper into their understanding and interpretation of the story.
Create a comfortable and focused reading environment to discuss the book without distractions, making the conversation more engaging and thoughtful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity
Explanation: The protagonist of 'The Lightning Catcher', Angus, demonstrates an insatiable curiosity about the natural world, particularly in meteorology, which drives the adventure and discoveries throughout the book.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their own interests and ask questions about the world around them, which is essential for their intellectual and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout 'The Lightning Catcher', Angus develops strong friendships that help him navigate the challenges he faces. These relationships are built on trust, support, and mutual respect.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships with others, which are crucial for emotional and social development.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Angus often finds himself in situations that test his bravery. His journey teaches him - and readers - that it's okay to be scared, and that true courage is acting in spite of fear.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that feeling fear is natural and that they can overcome challenges by facing their fears head-on.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: As Angus confronts various difficulties, his resilience shines through. He consistently demonstrates the ability to bounce back from setbacks, a quality that allows him to grow throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children learn that setbacks are a part of life and that persistence and resilience can help them overcome difficulties and succeed.
Example Lesson: Importance of environmental awareness
Explanation: The narrative incorporates a subtle but powerful message about the significance of understanding and respecting the environment, as Angus explores and interacts with various natural phenomena.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be mindful of their environment and promotes an early sense of responsibility towards nature conservation.