The Perfect Escape
#1 of 1 in The Perfect Escape Series
on Goodreads (3,563)
What’s inside...
Nate Jae-Woo Kim is determined to become wealthy to support his Korean family. When offered money to commit grade fraud, he is tempted but unsure of compromising his integrity. Luck comes when his colleague, Kate Anderson, proposes they enter a survivalist competition for a substantial cash prize. Teaming up, Nate sees a chance to solve his financial problems, but he faces the challenge of keeping his emotions in check throughout the event.
Character compass
Nate Jae-Woo Kim
Kate Anderson
Lucy Kim
Peter Haskill the Fourth
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to plan their escape? Do you think their reasons were justified?
How do the characters' friendships change throughout the story? Have you ever experienced a similar change in a friendship?
Did the book's setting influence the events of the story? How would the story change if it was set somewhere else?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of the book? Which lesson do you think is the most important and why?
If you were to write the next chapter of the book, what would happen next?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own impressions of the book and inviting your child to do the same. This shows them that their opinions are valued. Remember to listen actively, validating their feelings and viewpoints, which builds their confidence to express themselves. Encourage them to make connections between the book's events and their own lives, which deepens understanding and empathy. Asking them to predict future events or alternate endings helps boost their imagination and critical thinking skills. Finally, use the book’s themes as a springboard to discuss broader life lessons, enriching their personal and social development.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'The Perfect Escape,' characters must work together to solve problems and overcome obstacles during a zombie-themed escape room challenge.
Real-World Application: Children learn that cooperation and combining diverse skills are essential in achieving common goals, which they can apply during group projects or team sports at school.
Example Lesson: Value of creativity and quick thinking
Explanation: The protagonists use their wit and creativity to navigate the escape room, demonstrating how thinking outside the box can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace creativity in problem-solving situations at school or in social settings, fostering innovative thinking from a young age.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship and trust
Explanation: As the characters deepen their relationships throughout the story, they learn to trust and rely on each other, which is key to their survival in the game.
Real-World Application: Children are taught the significance of building and maintaining trust within friendships, which can help them develop strong and supportive relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The characters encounter various unexpected challenges but remain determined and resilient, which ultimately leads them to escape.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of perseverance and resilience for children when they face academic or personal challenges.