Nowhere Again!
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
A highly entertaining fantasy novel about two sixteen year olds, Catrin Morgan and Twm, who use their mystical powers to prevent oil exploration surveys in Cardigan Bay. Catrin, originally from Pennsylvania, U.S.A., moves to Wales and discovers she is a Sea Girl with a connection to the 'Ones who could see.' Twm, descended from Merlin, teams up with Catrin after she returns from studying French in La Rochelle. Together, they foil the attempts of the dangerous 'Spoilers' to fire underwater explosions and drill for oil, protecting the sea creatures and birds in the area. This book, a sequel to The Back End of Nowhere, is recommended for readers aged 12-14 years.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
228 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when they were in Nowhere Again?
Why do you think the character chose to go to Nowhere Again?
How would you have reacted in the same situation?
What other ways could the character have solved their problem?
What did you learn from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the main character’s shoes to deepen their understanding of the character’s emotions and decisions.
Highlight the importance of the choices the character makes and ask your child what they would do differently.
Focus on the problem-solving aspects of the story to promote critical thinking.
Discuss the moral of the story and its application in real life to make the conversation relevant to your child’s everyday experiences.
Utilize pauses after each question to give your child ample thinking time before they respond.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: In 'Nowhere Again!', the protagonist faces numerous challenges but continuously finds ways to overcome them. This demonstrates the value of not giving up despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist in solving problems they encounter at school or in their personal lives, understanding that obstacles are a part of life and can be overcome with determination.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout the book, different characters experience various emotions. The protagonist learns to understand and empathize with these feelings, teaching children about the importance of emotional intelligence.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children recognize emotions in others and themselves, promoting better interpersonal relationships and self-awareness.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: The story highlights how friends support and help each other through adventures and difficulties, showcasing the strength found in companionship.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by valuing and nurturing their friendships, learning the joy and support a good friend can offer.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The book's journey motif encourages a spirit of adventure and curiosity, as the characters explore new environments and solve mysteries.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to explore the world around them, ask questions, and seek new experiences, enhancing their knowledge and cognitive development.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and decision-making
Explanation: Decisions made by the characters significantly affect the story’s outcome, illustrating the consequences of one's choices.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of making thoughtful decisions and teaches them about the responsibilities associated with their choices.