United We Stand
What’s inside...
Dramatic, gripping, and moving, this sequel to the award-winning We All Fall Down will captivate readers.Its September 12th, 2001, and New York City is at a standstill: somber, bleak and shocked in the aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks. Will knows he and his father are lucky to have escaped; others, like his best friend James father are still missing . . . and soon presumed to be dead. Poignant and dramatic, United We Stand is a young adult novel about heartache, self-discovery, and the power of friendship.From the Trade Paperback edition.
Age
9-12
Length
376 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes a team successful? Can you share an example from the book?
How did the characters handle disagreements? What can we learn from them?
Why is it important to work together, even when it's challenging?
What character traits do you admire in the story's heroes?
How can we apply the lessons from the book in our daily lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about times they have worked on a team and relate those experiences to the book.
Discuss the importance of understanding and cooperation in achieving common goals, drawing parallels between the book's themes and real-life scenarios.
Highlight the consequences of actions taken by the characters to illustrate the impact of teamwork and leadership.
Ask your child about their favorite character and what qualities they admire, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of the book's message.
Suggest re-enacting a favorite scene from the book together, to make the theme of unity more tangible and enjoyable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Unity and teamwork
Explanation: In 'United We Stand', characters work together to overcome obstacles, demonstrating that collaboration brings success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating with others, whether in school projects or in group sports, emphasizing that teamwork can achieve great results.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces challenges but doesn't give up, showing that perseverance is key to overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain determined and persistent, whether while learning a new skill or dealing with everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Celebrating diversity
Explanation: The book features a diverse cast of characters who appreciate each other's unique qualities, highlighting the value of diversity.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to respect and value differences among peers, which fosters an inclusive environment at school or in their community.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Characters in the story face complex problems which they solve through critical thinking and collaboration.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively in their approach to problem-solving in academics or personal situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters exhibit empathy towards others' feelings and perspectives, nurturing an understanding environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn to empathize with peers and family members, helping to foster healthier and more compassionate relationships.