The Woods Are Always Watching
on Goodreads (11,219)
What’s inside...
Best friends Neena and Josie spent high school as outsiders, but at least they had each other. Now, with college and a two-thousand-mile separation looming on the horizon, they have one last chance to be together—a three-day hike deep into the woods of the Pisgah National Forest. Simmering tensions lead to a detour off the trail and straight into a waking nightmare; and then into something far worse. Something that will test them in horrifying ways.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-17
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the woods symbolize in the story and how do the characters' feelings about the woods change throughout?
How do the main characters' relationship evolve from the beginning to the end of the book?
What were some moments in the book that made you feel anxious or scared, and why?
How did the characters handle their fear and what can we learn from their reactions?
In what ways did the setting of the woods impact the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to those of the characters, enhancing empathy and understanding.
Discuss the survival themes in the book, touching on how decision-making can vary under stress.
Point out descriptions of the setting and ask your child to visualize and describe their own version of 'the woods.'
For older children, delve into a discussion about character development and ask if they would have made similar choices in a similar situation.
Use reflective listening to validate your child’s feelings and perspectives to foster a deeper conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonists in 'The Woods Are Always Watching' face harrowing challenges during their hiking trip. Their enduring courage and quick thinking are central to their survival.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to handle unexpected situations with composure and determination. Building resilience will help them tackle academic, social, and personal challenges.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The characters rely on each other's strengths and work together to navigate the dangers of the wilderness. Their collaboration is key to their survival.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that cooperation and leveraging diverse skills in group settings—be it family, school, or sports teams—are crucial for achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The story emphasizes the perils and unpredictable elements of the natural world, highlighting the need for preparedness and respect when engaging with it.
Real-World Application: Instilling an appreciation for the environment and teaching children the importance of environmental conservation can be fostered through activities like recycling, conserving water, and learning about wildlife.
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing fear
Explanation: As the characters confront their deepest fears, they learn about their own inner strength and the importance of facing fears rather than avoiding them.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that it is natural to feel scared and that confronting their fears can lead to personal growth and empowerment.
Example Lesson: Self-reliance
Explanation: Throughout their ordeal, the characters often have only their wits and each other to depend on, teaching the value of self-reliance and independent problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by taking initiative in their studies, learning to solve conflicts, and making decisions independently, all of which are essential for personal development.