Starsight: Skyward
#2 of 4 in Skyward Series
on Goodreads (101,213)
What’s inside...
All her life, Spensa has dreamed of becoming a pilot and proving herself as a hero like her father. She achieved her goal of reaching the sky, but was devastated to learn harsh truths about her father. Yet, Spensa believes there's more to the story and is determined to uncover it, especially since the same mysterious fate that befell her father could also befall her. Venturing beyond her planet's protective shell, she hears the stars which terrifies her, and she realizes that everything she has been taught about her world is a lie. Throughout her journey, Spensa also discovers new things about herself and is willing to travel to the ends of the galaxy to save humankind if necessary.
Character compass
Spensa Nightshade
Alanik
Hesho
Morriumur
Jorgen Weight
M-Bot
Cuna
Vapor
Winzik
Discussion points
How do you think Spensa’s feeling of being an outsider affects her decisions throughout the story?
What qualities do you admire in Spensa and why?
If you were in Spensa's place, how would you approach the challenges she faces?
How do Spensa's relationships with other characters influence her journey?
What did you learn about courage and bravery from the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their own experiences to Spensa's by asking them about times they've felt like an outsider or faced difficult challenges.
Highlight the importance of perseverance and bravery by discussing Spensa's difficult choices and positive traits.
To deepen understanding, ask your child to explain how different characters contribute to the story and Spensa's development.
Reinforce the learning by discussing the outcomes of major decisions in the book and asking what alternative choices could have been made.
Foster empathy by discussing the emotions and motivations of various characters, asking your child how they might feel in similar situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'Starsight: Skyward', the protagonist, Spensa, shows immense bravery as she navigates new challenges and environments. Her journey exemplifies standing strong despite the odds being stacked against her.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and remain resilient in challenging scenarios such as moving to a new school, trying out for a sports team, or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout the book, Spensa learns more about her enemies, which helps her understand the complexities of conflict and the importance of empathy. This shift in perception is a crucial turning point in the story.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of seeing things from other people's perspectives, promoting empathy and reducing conflicts in school or between siblings.
Example Lesson: Persistence in achieving goals
Explanation: Spensa's unwavering determination to become a pilot despite various obstacles is a central theme. Her persistence is inspirational and underscores the book's message about the importance of pursuing one’s dreams relentlessly.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to keep striving towards their goals, whether it’s improving in a subject at school, learning a new skill, or participating in extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: As Spensa becomes more integrated into the Skyward Flight, she learns that cooperation and teamwork are essential to overcoming many challenges faced by the group.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of working together in group projects, sports teams, or family activities, emphasizing that collaboration can lead to achieving greater things than working alone.