Out of Time
#2 in Time Travelers Series
on Goodreads (3,060)
What’s inside...
Strat, the wealthy boy with whom Annie fell in love during her first time trip to the 1890s, needs her help when he reveals her real origin and finds himself confined in a mental asylum. Annie Lockwood is known to exist in the present, but only Strat insists that she traveled back in time to the 1895. For this, Strat is declared insane by his father and locked away in an asylum. When Time calls Annie back to rescue Strat, she must decide whether to save him despite her own family's crisis. Annie is faced with the choice to save the boy she loves or remain in her own time, avoiding the consequences of being a trespasser out of time.
Character compass
Annie Lockwood
Harriet
Stratford Cameron
Discussion points
How would you feel if you were transported to a completely different time period like Annie? What challenges do you think you would face?
Annie learns a lot about strength and courage throughout her adventures. Can you think of a time when you had to be brave? What did you learn from that experience?
The concept of time travel is central to the plot. If you could travel to any time, past or future, when would it be and why?
Annie has to make some tough decisions in the book. What do you think was her toughest decision, and do you think she made the right choice? Why or why not?
Friendship is an important theme in 'Out of Time'. How does Annie's relationship with her friends change throughout the story, and what does it teach us about the nature of friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion with a general question about the child’s feelings or thoughts about the book to create a comfortable talking environment.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their life and Annie’s experiences to deepen their connection with the story.
Discuss the historical aspects of the times Annie visits to provide educational value and extend learning beyond the pages.
Use follow-up questions to encourage your child to think more deeply about the themes and characters, fostering critical thinking skills.
Highlight the moments in the story where characters show growth or learn lessons, prompting your child to reflect on their personal development and values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one's actions
Explanation: In 'Out of Time', the protagonist Annie Lockwood makes decisions that affect not just her future but also those around her. These choices highlight the importance of considering the consequences of one's actions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that their actions have consequences, and they need to think before they act. This can help them develop a sense of responsibility and be more considerate in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience and overcoming challenges
Explanation: Annie faces numerous challenges as she navigates through different time periods. Her journey is a testament to her resilience and ability to adapt in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that no matter the difficulties they might encounter, the strength to overcome them lies within. It encourages a mindset of perseverance and resilience in school tasks or personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of history and culture
Explanation: Through Annie’s time-travel adventures, readers gain insights into various historical periods and cultural contexts, enriching their understanding and appreciation of the past.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to explore history and culture, promoting a wider perspective on how past events shape our world. This can encourage empathy, informed thinking, and intellectual curiosity.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision-making
Explanation: Annie is often faced with tough choices where she has to weigh her options ethically and morally. This highlights the complexities of right and wrong.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of making decisions that align with ethical standards, which is crucial for nurturing integrity and moral values in real-life situations.