The Midnight Children
on Goodreads (3,705)
What’s inside...
The book follows the adventures of a group of children known as the Midnight Children, who gain supernatural powers at midnight. They navigate the challenges of their new abilities while dealing with friendship, identity, and the looming threat of a greater evil. In parallel, an outcast boy named Ravani Foster, living in a town named Slaughterville, discovers a family of mysterious runaways living next door. As he befriends a girl named Virginia among them, he learns about their secrets and the danger they face. The story explores themes of home, family, and self-belief through wonder, friendship, and mystery.
Age
9-11
Length
342 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ravani Foster
Virginia
The Collector
Discussion points
What do you think the children in the story felt when they discovered their magical powers?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story?
If you had a magical power, what would it be and why?
How can we help each other feel understood and valued, like the children in the book?
What does the story teach us about bravery and friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize pauses after each question to give your child time to think and express their thoughts fully.
Show genuine interest in their responses to encourage more in-depth discussion and critical thinking.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life situations or personal experiences to make the conversation more relatable.
Acknowledge their feelings and perspectives to validate their understanding and emotional responses to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The Midnight Children portrays characters from diverse backgrounds learning to understand and empathize with each other's unique experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to listen and show compassion towards their peers who have different life experiences, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Throughout the book, the young protagonists encounter various challenging situations requiring them to act bravely despite their fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson can empower children to tackle their own personal fears, be it speaking in front of the class or trying out for a sports team, with confidence and resilience.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: The children in the story achieve their goals by working together, highlighting the importance of cooperation and collaboration.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson during group projects or team sports, understanding that combining strengths and working together often leads to greater success.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and learning
Explanation: The protagonists’ adventures are driven by their curiosity and thirst for knowledge, illustrating how learning can lead to exciting discoveries.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and seek out knowledge, be that through reading books, exploring nature, or studying subjects that pique their interest.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The book clearly shows that the children's actions, both good and bad, have consequences that affect themselves and others.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that their choices impact not just themselves but also the people around them, teaching them to think before they act.