When Shadows Fall
What’s inside...
A heart-breaking and poignant novel from award-winning author Sita Brahmachari. Kai, Orla and Zak grew up together, spending their days on a patch of wilderness between their homes in a sprawling grey city. Their days were filled with music, laughter, and friendship, and they had big plans for their future. However, when Kai's family suffers a huge loss, he struggles with grief, watching it tear his family apart and is drawn into a dangerous crowd. As his dreams for the future become a distant memory and he is excluded from school and retreating from his loved ones, it seems his path is set. Despite this, Orla, Zak, and classmate Om are determined to help him find his way back, but the question remains, are they too late?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
15-17
Length
123 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the shadows in the story make you feel? What do you think they represent?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge similar to the characters in the book? How did you handle it?
What do you think is the most important message of the story?
How would you have ended the story if you were the author?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, relating it to their personal experiences.
Discuss the symbolism of 'shadows' in the story, encouraging critical thinking about what they might signify beyond the literal sense.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think deeper about the characters’ actions and motivations.
Create a comfortable and distraction-free environment to make the reading and discussion time engaging and meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'When Shadows Fall', the story explores the emotions and perspectives of different characters coping with loss, friendship, and change. This helps young readers appreciate the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify and respect the feelings of their peers and family members in their everyday interactions, fostering more empathetic relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The characters in the book face significant changes and challenges but learn to adapt and find strength in themselves and each other. This narrative underscores resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children to handle setbacks or changes in their own lives, such as moving to a new school, with courage and optimism.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community Support
Explanation: As the characters in the book come together to support one another, it highlights how community and friendships are vital in overcoming difficult times.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of participating in community activities and being supportive friends, enhancing their social development and sense of belonging.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Grief
Explanation: The book sensitively handles the theme of loss, providing a realistic yet hopeful outlook on dealing with grief and finding closure.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and process their feelings of grief whether from the loss of a pet, family member, or even a change in environment, promoting emotional health.
Example Lesson: Hope and Looking Forward
Explanation: Despite challenges, the book ends on a hopeful note, encouraging looking forward with hope and not being anchored by past sorrows.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of hope and having a positive outlook towards the future, which can be useful during their own trials in life.