The Midnighters
on Goodreads (458)
What’s inside...
Find the courage to be extraordinary . . . Ema Vaskova has always felt different. In a family of famous scientists, there's not much room for superstition or omens - but they seem to follow Ema wherever she goes. It doesn't help that she appears to predict events before they happen, and has strange dreams that seem to come true. When a mysterious graveyard book provides clues to her family's past, Ema must unravel the secrets and find the courage to be extraordinary.
Age
8-12
Length
123 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivates each of the Midnighters to embark on their daring adventure?
How do the characters grow or change throughout the story?
If you could have a special talent like one of the Midnighters, what would it be and why?
Which part of the book was your favorite, and what did it make you feel?
How do the Midnighters show teamwork, and why is working together important?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, try to use expressive tones and gestures to bring the story to life, making the conversation more engaging.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to encourage deeper thinking and connection to the characters and plot.
Relate the themes or challenges faced by the Midnighters to your child’s own experiences to help them relate personally to the story.
Celebrate creative answers, even if they differ from the plot, to encourage your child’s imagination and critical thinking skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Midnighters', the protagonists work together to solve mysteries. Their success hinges on collaborating and combining their diverse skills.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value cooperative efforts, understanding that teamwork can be essential in classroom projects and family activities.
Example Lesson: Embracing Uniqueness
Explanation: Each character in 'The Midnighters' has unique attributes that contribute to their adventures. The story celebrates these differences as strengths.
Real-World Application: This helps children appreciate their own unique qualities and those of others around them, promoting self-confidence and social acceptance.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The characters face numerous challenges and setbacks but persist in their quest. Their resilience is a key factor in their eventual success.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of perseverance and resilience in overcoming obstacles in their academic and personal lives.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter puzzles that they must solve to advance in their journey. This shows how critical thinking and creativity are applied to reach solutions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to approach problems thoughtfully and creatively, skills that are useful in schoolwork and general life challenges.
Example Lesson: Courage to Confront Fears
Explanation: The young characters often face scary and unknown situations, yet they find the courage to confront these fears head-on, discovering their bravery.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and understand that feeling scared is natural, but overcoming those fears is truly empowering.