The Scattering: The Outliers
#2 in Outliers Series
on Goodreads (2,174)
What’s inside...
New York Times bestselling author Kimberly McCreight raises the stakes in the second book of the heart-pounding Outliers trilogy, a uniquely speculative story about secrets, betrayal, and a world where one small group of people are blessed—or cursed—with an incredible power.
Wylie may have escaped the camp in Maine, but she is far from safe. The best way for her to protect herself is to understand her ability, fast. But after spending a lifetime trying to ignore her own feelings, giving in to her ability to read other peoples’ emotions is as difficult as it is dangerous.
And Wylie isn’t the only one at risk. Ever since they returned home, Jasper has been spiraling, wracked with guilt over what happened to Cassie. After all they’ve been through together, Wylie and Jasper would do anything for each other, but she doesn’t know if their bond is strong enough to overcome demons from the past.
It is amid this uncertainty and fear that Wylie finds herself confronted with a choice. She was willing to do whatever it took to help Cassie, but is she prepared to go to the same extremes to help complete strangers . . . even if they are just like her?
Why read this book
- Engaging mystery deepens critical thinking skills.
- Themes of friendship bolster social development.
- Builds resilience through character challenges.
- Encourages empathy and emotional awareness.
Character compass
Wylie Lang
Jasper
Discussion points
Why do you think the characters made the choices they did, and how would you have reacted in their situations?
What are some of the key challenges faced by the characters, and what do they teach us about trust and friendship?
How do the special abilities of the characters influence their interactions and decisions?
What do you think the author wants us to understand about the concept of being an outlier?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their thoughts and feelings with the characters in the book. This will not only enhance their empathy and analytical skills but also deepen their understanding of the narrative. Discuss the book's complex themes, like trust and individual differences, which can help in bridging insights into real-world situations. Use examples from the story to discuss personal experiences and decisions and how they could apply similar reasoning in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of trust and teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Scattering: The Outliers', the characters must rely on each other and work together to overcome challenges, highlighting the value of trust and teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to cooperate with their peers in group activities or team sports, understanding that combined efforts often lead to better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Dealing with the consequences of one's actions
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters face consequences from the decisions they make. This enforces the idea that actions have repercussions.
Real-World Application: This serves as a fundamental lesson for children to think before they act and be mindful of how their actions might affect themselves and others.
Example Lesson: The power of resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous setbacks but continues to push forward. This illustrates the importance of resilience and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by not giving up easily when faced with difficulties in school or in personal endeavors, fostering a resilient spirit.
Example Lesson: Value of self-discovery
Explanation: Characters in the book go on journeys that lead them to learn more about themselves and their abilities, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace personal growth and learning opportunities, helping them to understand themselves better and develop self-confidence.