Hostage
4u2read Series
on Goodreads (658)
What’s inside...
When eleven-year-old Kaci Drummond, who longs for excitement, interrupts burglars robbing her new house, she and her elderly neighbor, Mrs. Banducci, are kidnapped and held hostage. Together, they must find a way to escape their dangerous and desperate captors. In this thrilling novel, Kaci realizes the reality of the adventures she wished for and learns to appreciate the courage and resourcefulness of her unexpected ally.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Kaci felt when she realized she was in danger, and how would you feel in a similar situation?
What do you think about the way Kaci handled her difficult circumstances? What would you have done differently?
Why is it important to be aware of our surroundings like Kaci was?
How did Kaci's relationship with her brother change throughout the story, and what can we learn from their interactions?
What does the story teach us about trust and courage?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Kaci’s shoes while discussing the questions, which can help them understand her actions and feelings.
Highlight the importance of problem-solving and awareness, drawing parallels to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented in the book, guiding the child to evaluate the consequences of different choices.
Use examples from the book to talk about the development of trust and courage, and ask your child how they might apply these lessons in their own life.
Emphasize open communication, reassuring your child that it's okay to express fear and ask for help when facing challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and resourcefulness
Explanation: In 'Hostage', the protagonist demonstrates bravery and quick thinking in a tense situation. This highlights how these qualities can help overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to handle difficult situations in their own lives with bravery, and think creatively to find solutions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The characters in the story learn to understand each other's fears and motivations, which helps in resolving conflict. This showcases the power of empathy.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply empathy in their daily interactions, striving to understand others' feelings and perspectives, which can lead to more harmonious relationships.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters face numerous obstacles but continue to strive for a positive outcome, demonstrating the importance of not giving up in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and teamwork
Explanation: Characters in 'Hostage' come together, combining their efforts to overcome challenges, highlighting how teamwork and family support are crucial.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of working together and supporting each other in family or team settings for better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Coping with fear
Explanation: In the story, characters manage their fears and take action despite them, which teaches the lesson that fear should not control one's actions.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that it's normal to feel scared but it's important to confront and manage fears, especially in new or challenging situations.