In Time
on Goodreads (64)
What’s inside...
In 'In Time', Marina Ruiz takes readers on a thrilling journey through a dystopian future where time has become the ultimate currency. The novel explores the life of protagonist Elara who, born into the impoverished zones, struggles to earn enough time to survive day by day. As the rich extend their lifespans indefinitely, the poor are forced to barter their labor, hopes, and even their lives, for precious minutes and hours. When Elara discovers a conspiracy that could unravel the fabric of society, she must decide whether to risk everything to fight against the oppressive system or keep her head down to save the little time she has left. Through her narrative, Ruiz challenges the concept of value and the extremes of socioeconomic divides, leaving readers to ponder the true meaning of time and the cost of immortality. Follow the story of a little girl as she learns to slow down, be patient, and appreciate that some things in life are worth waiting for. When you’re little, the world can seem like a truly slow-moving place. Waiting for school to finish, staring at the clock, wishing it would move. Joining seemingly never-ending queues, urging them to speed up. Staring longingly at a hot cake baking in the oven. Jumping into bed, lying down, and drifting off to sleep. Waiting can seem to last a lifetime. And then, as soon as you wake up… the race begins – hurry up, let’s get a move on – we’re going to be late! This book is all about a little girl learning to be patient. As she slowly opens her eyes to the wonder of nature, she uncovers that some things are really worth waiting for. Animals wake from hibernation, seeds bloom into flowers, trees turn into forests, and snails form beautiful, glittering trails. A wonderful book for kids who always ask, ‘are we there yet?!’ Encourage them to go with the flow with this relatable story that has stylish and soothing illustrations on each page. An important message wrapped in an enjoyable and comforting story that kids will love to pick up off the bookshelf.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the message of 'In Time' is about?
How did the main character's journey make you feel?
What would you do if you were in the main character's situation?
Which part of the story did you find most interesting or surprising?
How do you think the story would change if it happened today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by asking your child about their favorite part of the book to initiate an open-ended conversation.
Use follow-up questions to dive deeper into specific events or characters your child mentions.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to enhance creative thinking.
Relate themes or situations from the book to real-life events or family experiences for a more relatable discussion.
Celebrate their thoughts and responses to show that their opinions are valued and important.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the value of time
Explanation: In 'In Time', the protagonist learns about the importance of spending time wisely and the consequences of procrastination through a series of magical adventures.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively in school or during play.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of understanding other people's perspectives and feelings through the interactions the main character has with various characters in the magical world.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice empathy by considering their friends' viewpoints during disputes or group activities, fostering better relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Marina Ruiz portrays the protagonist overcoming fears to fix mistakes made in the past, showcasing bravery and the importance of facing one's fears head on.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to tackle challenging situations confidently, whether it's trying new activities or standing up for themselves or others.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Throughout the book, the main character learns that being truthful is crucial, especially when dealing with the consequences of bending the truth in the magical realm.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value honesty in their daily interactions, understanding that honesty builds trust and respect in relationships.