Orphans of the Tide
#1 of 3 in Orphans of the Tide Series
on Goodreads (1,810)
What’s inside...
An ancient myth looms over a new friendship. The City is the only home that Ellie has ever known. She's always been told that there is nothing to see beyond the shores of her small, salty island. That is, until a mysterious boy washes in with the tide, trapped inside the belly of a whale. The citizens of the City believe he's ruled by the Enemy--the legendary god who drowned the whole world--come again to cause untold chaos. Only Ellie believes that the boy is innocent. To save him, Ellie must prove that he's not who they think he is--even if that means revealing her own dangerous secret.
Character compass
Ellie
Seth
Anna
Hargrath
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Ellie to save and protect the mysterious boy in the story?
How do the inhabitants of the City react to the presence of the boy and what does that say about fear and acceptance?
If you were in Ellie's shoes, how would you deal with the suspicion and fear from the City's people?
What role does friendship play in this book and how does it influence the characters' decisions?
How do you think the world inside 'Orphans of the Tide' compares to our world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters’ decisions, promoting empathy and understanding.
Discuss the concept of bravery and sacrifice shown in the book to reinforce these values.
Connect the book’s themes with real-world issues such as acceptance and fear of the unknown to enhance critical thinking.
Ask your child what they would do differently if they were one of the characters to encourage problem-solving skills.
Utilize the book's rich imagery and setting to spark discussions about creativity and imagination.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Ellie, demonstrates resilience as she bravely faces challenges to protect her city and uncover the truth about the mysterious enemy, the Vessel.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of staying strong and determined, even when faced with difficulties, which can help them navigate their own real-life challenges.
Example Lesson: Friendship and trust
Explanation: Throughout the story, Ellie's relationship with her friend Anna shows the value of trust and loyalty in friendships, forming a support system that is crucial during challenging times.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to build and maintain trusting relationships and understand the role of mutual support among friends.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and questioning
Explanation: Ellie's quest for the truth about the Last Engineer and the origin of the Vessel drives her to question established beliefs and seek her own answers.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to question the world around them, think critically about the information they receive, and make informed decisions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Ellie shows empathy towards the characters who are misunderstood or feared by society, highlighting the importance of understanding different perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop empathy towards others, appreciating diverse experiences and viewpoints in their community.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for what's right
Explanation: Ellie's actions in defending her city and fighting against oppression exemplify moral courage and the importance of standing up for justice.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of integrity and the importance of taking action in the face of injustice, reinforcing moral values in their daily interactions.