War of the Wind
on Goodreads (136)
What’s inside...
On a remote Scottish island, fourteen-year-old Max loses his hearing in a boating accident and begins to struggle with adaptation. His life takes an even stranger turn when a new wind farm appears and he discovers that a sinister scientist, Doctor Ashwood, is using the turbines to experiment on the islanders. With the help of three friends with additional support needs, Max must find a way to shut down the government’s secret test before it spins out of control. An award-winning climate fiction novel that explores unlikely friendships as a group of children with disabilities find themselves at the heart of an eco-mystery.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
250 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Kai feels when he first discovers the Wind Creature? What would you do if you were in his shoes?
What are some ways Kai and Lia work together to solve problems? Have you ever had to work with someone else to solve a problem?
Both Kai and Lia show bravery throughout the story. Can you think of a time when you had to be brave?
The Wind Creature affects everyone differently in the village. Why do you think that is? How does it change the way they see their world?
What does the story teach us about understanding and respecting nature?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own thoughts about the book, encouraging an open dialog.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book. This can help them express their understanding and feelings about the story.
Relate themes from the book to real-life events or situations that your child might have experienced to make the conversation more relatable.
Encourage your child to ask questions about the story and its characters. This can help deepen their engagement and comprehension.
Use expressive reading when discussing quotes from the book, which can make the discussion more lively and interesting.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'War of the Wind', characters from diverse backgrounds learn to understand and empathize with each other's struggles and perspectives, fostering a sense of community.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to listen and show understanding towards their friends and family members who may have different experiences or viewpoints.
Example Lesson: Courage in Adversity
Explanation: The protagonists face significant challenges and adversities but demonstrate courage and resilience, inspiring readers to do the same.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to face their own challenges, such as trying new activities or standing up for what is right, even when it’s difficult.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must collaborate and work together to achieve common goals, highlighting the value of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to work cooperatively in group settings like school projects or sports, understanding that collective effort can lead to greater success.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of respecting and protecting the natural world, as characters interact with their environment in meaningful ways.
Real-World Application: This can translate to children taking an active role in environmental conservation, such as participating in recycling programs or learning about wildlife.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to Change
Explanation: As the characters in 'War of the Wind' navigate through a rapidly changing environment, they learn to adapt and find new solutions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of being flexible and adapting to new situations, whether it’s moving to a new school or dealing with changes at home.