North of Nowhere
on Goodreads (6,314)
What’s inside...
After five years in hiding, siblings Kristin and Ryan McIntyre are tracked down by their murderous father, head of a Los Angeles crime family. They narrowly escape in a small plane, which crash lands in the Montana wilderness due to gunfire hitting the fuel line. As they seek safety deep in the woods, they face multiple threats including their father, an expert tracker hired to find them, and an approaching blizzard. Their aunt, Ruby, an Army veteran, races against time to save them. Who finds them first could determine their fate.
Discussion points
What would you do if you found yourself in a situation like the protagonist? How would you feel?
What do you think are the most important qualities a hero should have? Did the protagonist in the story display any of these?
How did the characters in the book change from the beginning to the end? What caused these changes?
Can you think of a time when you had to solve a big problem? How did you handle it?
What does friendship mean in this story? How do friends help each other in tough times?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the protagonist’s shoes, fostering empathy and understanding of the character's decisions.
Discuss the moral and ethical choices characters made in the story, prompting your child to consider what they would have done differently.
Relate themes or situations from the book to real-life experiences your child may have had, enhancing their connection to the story.
Praise your child’s thoughts and responses to encourage further discussion and deeper thinking about the book’s themes.
Use these questions to guide a reflective conversation post-reading, solidifying comprehension and appreciation of the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: In 'North of Nowhere', the protagonist faces numerous challenges that test their resolve and ability to adapt in troubled times.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges with determination and not be easily discouraged by setbacks.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters develop strong friendships that help them navigate through their adventures and hardships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships, and how friends can be an essential support system.
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing emotions
Explanation: The characters in the book experience a wide range of emotions, providing a platform to explore emotional intelligence.
Real-World Application: Children learn to identify their feelings and those of others, fostering empathy and better personal interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront fears
Explanation: Characters in 'North of Nowhere' often face fearful situations that require courage to overcome.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be brave when facing their own fears, understanding that it's okay to be scared and that courage can lead to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book presents various problems that the characters must solve using their knowledge and creativity.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of thinking critically and creatively to solve problems in their daily lives.