Stolen
#1 in Stolen Series
on Goodreads (85,389)
What’s inside...
Sixteen-year-old Gemma is kidnapped from Bangkok airport and taken to the Australian Outback. Her captor, Ty, is young, fit, and completely gorgeous. He has planned this new life in the wilderness for years, and he loves only Gemma, wanting only her. Under the intense Australian sun, isolated from the world, the story unfolds through a letter written by Gemma to Ty. It reveals the complex emotions of love and obsession, and dependency blurring the lines between them. This debut novel is a sensitive, sharp, and captivating thriller, portraying the haunting account of captivity and the power of relationships.
Discussion points
How do you think Gemma felt when she was taken from the airport? What would you feel in her situation?
Why do you think Ty took Gemma to the remote Australian Outback? What does the setting tell us about his intentions?
Gemma develops complex feelings for Ty. Can you identify some conflicting emotions she might have felt?
How does the author use the landscape to reflect the changes in Gemma's emotions throughout the book?
In what ways do you think Gemma changed from the beginning to the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own thoughts about the book to create an open environment for your child to express their feelings and opinions.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in Gemma’s shoes, thinking about how they would feel and react in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of setting, and how the isolation of the Australian Outback adds to the story’s tension and the complexity of Gemma's emotions.
Explore the themes of survival and resilience together, highlighting how Gemma's experiences and reactions can teach us about human strength and adaptability.
Allow your child to express any difficult emotions or confusion they might have about the book’s themes, reassuring them that complex feelings are normal and okay to discuss.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy and understanding others
Explanation: Throughout 'Stolen,' the protagonist's captivity makes her reflect on her captor’s motives, fostering a complex sense of empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider the feelings and perspectives of others, promoting emotional intelligence and better interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The main character, despite being kidnapped, shows immense resilience and determination, fighting for her survival and sanity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance and courage when facing difficult situations in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The complexity of human emotions
Explanation: The emotional journey in 'Stolen' explores diverse feelings, including fear, affection, and confusion, which highlight the multifaceted nature of human emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to navigate their emotions more effectively and understand that it’s normal to experience conflicting feelings.
Example Lesson: The consequences of one’s actions
Explanation: The captor's decisions lead to significant consequences, affecting both his life and others’.
Real-World Application: This lesson stresses accountability and can help children understand that their choices impact themselves and others around them.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist strategizes her responses to complex challenges, using critical thinking skills to enhance her chances of survival.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to apply thoughtful analysis and creativity in solving their own problems.