The Next Together
#1 of 2 in The Next Together Series
on Goodreads (5,842)
What’s inside...
How many times can you lose the person you love? Katherine and Matthew are destined to be born again and again, century after century. Each time, their presence changes history for the better, and each time, they fall hopelessly in love, only to be tragically separated. Spanning the Crimean War, the Siege of Carlisle and the near-future of 2019 and 2039 they find themselves sacrificing their lives to save the world. But why do they keep coming back? What else must they achieve before they can be left to live and love in peace? Maybe the next together will be different... A powerful and epic debut novel for teenagers about time-travel, fate and the timelessness of first love. The Next Together is told through a mixture of regular prose, diary entries, letters, 'original' historical documents, news reports and internet articles.
Character compass
Katherine Finchley
Matthew Galloway
Discussion points
How do you think time travel affects the relationship between the main characters?
What would you do if you had the chance to meet the same person in different lives?
How do the characters' choices in past lives influence their actions in future ones?
In what ways do you think love can impact decisions and actions?
How does the setting influence the story? Could the story take place in another time or place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about how the concept of fate and destiny is portrayed in the story.
Discuss the historical settings of the novel and how they might influence the characters' decisions and lives.
Ask your child to describe the characters' emotions in different timelines and how they might handle similar situations.
Explore the themes of love and sacrifice by discussing personal experiences or well-known stories that share similar themes.
Consider creating a timeline together that maps out the key events in the book to help understand the sequence and impact of the events across different eras.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: In 'The Next Together,' the characters Katherine and Matthew face numerous challenges across different timelines, but they persistently strive to be together, demonstrating unwavering determination.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the value of persistence in achieving goals, whether it's finishing a difficult homework assignment or mastering a new skill in sports or arts.
Example Lesson: Understanding the impact of choices
Explanation: Throughout the book, the decisions made by the characters not only affect their own lives but also the lives of others around them, showcasing the ripple effects of one's choices.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to consider the consequences of their actions on themselves and others, promoting thoughtful decision-making in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The power of collaboration
Explanation: Katherine and Matthew often team up to solve complex problems, highlighting the strength found in working together towards a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to seek out teamwork opportunities and value diverse perspectives to solve problems more effectively, whether in school projects or in playing team sports.
Example Lesson: Valuing historical context
Explanation: As the story spans several historical timelines, it provides insights into how history can shape individuals and societal values.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be curious about history and to recognize how past events shape the present world, enhancing their educational journey and cultural awareness.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and resilience
Explanation: The characters’ ability to adapt to different eras and challenges is a key theme, showing the importance of resilience and flexibility.
Real-World Application: In real life, children can learn to embrace change and adapt to new situations, such as moving to a new school or dealing with changes within their family.