The Last Kids on Earth and the Skeleton Road
#6 of 9 in The Last Kids on Earth Series
What’s inside...
In the sixth installment of 'The Last Kids on Earth' series, Jack Sullivan and his friends set off on a journey through the deserted lands to find the villain Thrull and his skeleton army. The story is replete with monsters, post-apocalyptic adventures and the fight to save their town from the clutches of skeletons. Now a Netflix Original Series! Jack Sullivan, Quint Baker, June Del Toro, and Dirk Savage are about to have their biggest adventure yet. That's right--it's ROAD TRIP TIME! Now wielding the Midnight Blade, Jack Sullivan and the gang are furiously searching for the villainous Thrull and his skeleton army. The clock is ticking: the enemy has begun constructing the Tower--a portal with the power to bring Rezzoch the Ancient, Destructor of Worlds, to our dimension. Equipped with a crucial clue discovered by June on her Wild Flight, the group does the once-unthinkable: they leave Wakefield behind and embark on an EPIC ROAD TRIP! That means music blasting, kitschy roadside attractions, snacks snacks snacks, dangerous detours, and a slew of zombies and monsters at every turn. But this is no ordinary post-apocalyptic joyride. Because soon, they are pursued by a new threat: the return of a monster they thought long dead, who has taken on a terrifying new form. Jack, June, Quint, and Dirk will be lucky to make it far enough to find the answers they seek. But when the future of the world depends on it, these heroes don't pump the brakes--they go full throttle.
Discussion points
What do you think makes Jack a leader? Can you think of a time when you had to lead your friends like Jack does?
How do the characters in the book work together to overcome challenges? Why is teamwork important in difficult situations?
The book mixes humor with adventure; which funny part was your favorite and why did it make you laugh?
If you were in the same situation as the characters, what skills would you use to handle the threats they face?
How do the characters change from the beginning of the book to the end? What causes these changes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think deeply about the themes of leadership and teamwork in 'The Last Kids on Earth and the Skeleton Road'. Ask them to relate the characters' experiences to their own lives, fostering a personal connection with the story. Discuss how humor can lighten the mood even in dire situations, and explore the importance of adapting to unforeseen challenges, both in the book and in real life. Lastly, remind them that change is a part of growth, and discuss the development of the characters as they navigate their adventures.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The characters in 'The Last Kids on Earth and the Skeleton Road' work together to navigate challenges, showcasing how collaboration can overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities at school or in sports, learning to value each member's contributions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonists face various threats but their determination helps them to push forward and adapt.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to stay strong and perseverant when facing their own difficulties, whether it's at school or in personal situations.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters often use creative solutions to deal with the challenges they encounter, emphasizing the power of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to think creatively when faced with a problem, be it in homework, resolving conflicts with friends, or other daily tasks.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The strong bonds between the characters highlight the support that friends can offer each other in tough times.
Real-World Application: This stresses to children the value of building and maintaining friendships, which can provide emotional support and joy in their lives.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face the Unknown
Explanation: As the characters embark on a journey full of uncertainties, their courage is a central theme.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face new experiences and challenges without fear, from trying new activities to making new friends.