on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
Written by acclaimed award-winning Australian author, Visitors is an exciting, mysterious story with a touch of the supernatural. It's the school holidays and Terry is bored and lonely. The only thing he enjoys doing is watching television. But one winter's day, he realizes he isn't alone - somebody, or something, is trying to get his attention. The mysterious Visitors have come to the end of their centuries-long wait and have finally made contact.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-18
Length
168 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they first saw the visitors?
What would you do if you encountered visitors like in the book?
Can you imagine a world where visitors like these exist? What would it be like?
How did the visitors change the main character's life and perspective?
Why is it important to be open to new experiences and people, just like the protagonist?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the protagonist's shoes while discussing their feelings and reactions.
Use a world map to explore and learn about different cultures, connecting to the theme of new encounters similar to the visitors in the book.
Create a comfortable, open environment for discussion, showing genuine interest in your child’s thoughts and opinions.
Relate the story to personal family experiences of meeting new people or visiting new places to make the conversation more relatable.
Praise your child’s responses and insights to build their confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of diversity
Explanation: In 'Visitors', children encounter characters from various backgrounds and learn to embrace their differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing kindness and openness to classmates who come from different cultures or have different abilities.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: The story highlights how friendships can develop in unexpected circumstances and the value of supporting one another.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to seek and nurture friendships at school or in their neighborhood, understanding that true friends are there for each other no matter what.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: The characters in the book often encounter unfamiliar situations, teaching kids the importance of bravery when trying new things.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital when children face their own new experiences, such as attending a new school or trying out a new activity.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story allows children to see the world from different perspectives, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to consider how their actions affect others, promoting a more inclusive and understanding behavior.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The characters’ adventures spark curiosity about the world around them, emphasizing the joy of learning.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and explore their own environments, whether it's a backyard or a local park, enhancing their observational skills.