These Broken Stars
#1 in Starbound Series
What’s inside...
These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner is the first book in a New York Times bestselling science fiction trilogy. Described by Marie Lu as 'one of the most intense, thrilling, and achingly beautiful stories I've ever read,' this novel presents a timeless love story set against a sweeping sci-fi backdrop.
Character compass
Lilac Laroux
Tarver Merendsen
Discussion points
How did the characters' relationship change over the course of their journey?
What personal strengths did you notice the characters develop in adversity?
How do you think the characters felt when they were stranded? How would you feel in a similar situation?
What choices would you have made if you were in the characters’ shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their experiences with the characters, fostering empathy and deeper understanding.
Discuss the significance of resilience and how it can be applied in their everyday life.
Explore themes of survival and cooperation, asking how these themes play out in your child’s interactions at school or with friends.
Use examples from the book to discuss the impact of teamwork and leadership in overcoming challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters face numerous physical and emotional challenges which they overcome through determination and adaptability.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of pushing through difficult situations, understanding that they can overcome challenges with perseverance.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: The characters must work together to survive after their starship crashes, demonstrating how collaboration can lead to better solutions.
Real-World Application: This highlights for children how working together with others can help tackle difficult tasks and solve problems more efficiently.
Example Lesson: Ethics of decision-making
Explanation: Characters in the story frequently face moral dilemmas and make choices that affect others, emphasizing the consequences of one's actions.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think about the impact of their decisions on others and the importance of considering ethical implications.
Example Lesson: Importance of empathy
Explanation: The story explores the relationship between characters from different backgrounds, fostering understanding and empathy.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate diverse perspectives and develop empathy towards people who may be different from themselves.
Example Lesson: Exploring the unknown with courage
Explanation: As the storyline progresses, characters bravely explore new and unfamiliar environments despite fears.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the value of exploring new opportunities and learning from them, despite feeling uncertain or scared.