North of Everything
on Goodreads (55)
What’s inside...
After moving away from the exciting city life of Miami to the peaceful countryside of Vermont, a young family has to learn to adjust to their new surroundings and find a new way of life in a world quite unfamiliar to all of them.
Discussion points
Why do you think the main character felt compelled to embark on such a challenging journey?
What aspects of their environment influenced their decisions the most?
How did the relationships between the characters change throughout the story?
What personal qualities helped the protagonist overcome their struggles?
How would you have reacted in a similar situation as the main character?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to encourage your child to think deeply about the story and connect with the characters' emotions and motivations.
Relate the book’s themes to personal experiences or current events to make the discussion more relevant and engaging for your child.
Highlight the setting and ask your child how they imagine it would look and feel, fostering a deeper connection with the story’s environment.
Discuss any moral dilemmas or challenging decisions presented in the book and ask your child how they would handle such situations, emphasizing character development and personal values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: In 'North of Everything', the protagonist faces challenging wilderness conditions which test his physical and mental strength. Through determination and perseverance, he overcomes these obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing difficulties with courage and not giving up can help them overcome their own challenges in life, whether it's at school or in personal situations.
Example Lesson: Value of family and brotherhood
Explanation: The story emphasizes the strong bond between two brothers despite their differences and the distances that separate them. This relationship plays a crucial role in their survival and emotional support.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of maintaining relationships with family members and supporting each other during hard times.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The characters in the book learn to navigate and survive in harsh natural environments, highlighting a theme of respecting and understanding the natural world around them.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to appreciate the environment, understanding the need to protect nature and the role it plays in our survival and well-being.
Example Lesson: Facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist confronts both physical dangers and personal fears throughout his journey, learning to face them with courage.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to face their own fears and understand that overcoming fear is part of growing up and developing confidence.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and healing
Explanation: The story delves into themes of personal loss and the journey towards acceptance and healing, showing how the characters cope with their grief.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand and process their emotions related to loss and teach them healthy ways to accept and heal from their experiences.