The Other Side of Dawn (Tomorrow Book 7)
#7 of 7 in Tomorrow Series
on Goodreads (16,281)
What’s inside...
In 'The Other Side of Dawn', the seventh and final installment of the 'Tomorrow' series by John Marsden, the story of Australian teenagers fighting against an enemy invasion comes to a climactic end. The protagonist, Ellie Linton, and her remaining friends continue their guerrilla warfare in an effort to reclaim their country. As the war intensifies, the group faces immense challenges, including loss, trauma, and the moral complexities of combat. They execute a final, risky operation against the enemy's airfield, which results in a significant blow to the invaders. The novel concludes with the war's end and the beginning of a difficult reconstruction, as the young heroes must adapt to a new reality and deal with the psychological aftermath of their experiences. 'The Other Side of Dawn' is a story of resilience, friendship, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood under the most extreme circumstances.
Character compass
Ellie Linton
Fiona Maxwell
Gavin
Kevin
Lee Takkam
Homer Yannos
Discussion points
How do you think Ellie and her friends felt during their struggles, and what would you do in their situation?
What does the title 'The Other Side of Dawn' suggest about the themes of hope and resilience in the story?
In what ways did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book, and what caused those changes?
Discuss the decisions made by the characters. Which ones do you agree or disagree with, and why?
How does the setting influence the events and emotions in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters’ actions by sharing how they might feel in similar situations.
Highlight the themes of perseverance and hope. Discuss real-life examples where they can apply these values.
Ask your child to relate the characters' experiences to their own lives, fostering a deeper personal connection to the story.
Explore the moral decisions made by the characters, prompting your child to consider the complexity of choices in difficult circumstances.
Create a supportive environment to discuss sensitive topics covered in the book, ensuring your child feels comfortable and heard.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout 'The Other Side of Dawn', characters are faced with extreme challenges and life-threatening situations, yet they continue to persevere and adapt.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain their determination and optimism even when facing difficult situations in their own lives, such as tackling a hard subject in school or dealing with family issues.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The protagonists in the book often rely on each other's strengths and work together to overcome obstacles, illustrating the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperating with others, whether it's during group projects at school, playing team sports, or participating in family activities.
Example Lesson: Moral decision-making
Explanation: Characters in the story frequently face tough choices where they must weigh their own needs against what is right.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by making thoughtful choices about how they treat their peers and consider the consequences of their actions on others.
Example Lesson: Coping with loss
Explanation: The book does not shy away from the realities of loss and grief, providing a platform for characters to express their emotions and begin to heal.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that it is okay to feel sad or upset about losing something or someone important and that expressing these feelings is a part of healing.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking under pressure
Explanation: Throughout the series, the characters often need to make quick decisions under extreme pressure, highlighting the importance of critical thinking.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and make informed decisions quickly, a skill that can be beneficial in emergency situations or even in less critical day-to-day decision-making.