The Boy Who Fell From the Sky
on Goodreads (135)
What’s inside...
Combining the warmth and heart of Ross Welford’s The 1,000 Year Old Boy with the epic adventure and inseparable friendship of Frank Cottrell Boyce’s Cosmic comes an otherworldly new middle grade adventure from the award-winning Benjamin Dean. Demons haven’t fallen from the sky in years. In fact, many think they’re extinct. But twelve-year-old Zed knows otherwise. Zed’s dad, the head of a sect of Hunters, has always been prepared for the Demons’ return, and he’s been training a reluctant Zed for years on eliminating them once and for all. And then one night, Spark falls from the sky and disrupts everything Zed thought he knew. Because this Demon is nothing like the myths – he’s a frightened boy, no older than Zed, who wants to go home. Can Zed stand up for what’s right, even if it means going against his own family? Praise for Benjamin: ‘Warm-hearted and cheering, with a dash of sparkle’ – Guardian, 'A life-affirming, must-read' – The Independent, 'The novel wears its heart on its sleeve, and it is a very big heart' – Financial Times, 'Funny, fresh and full of heart' – Katie Tsang, co-author of DRAGON MOUNTAIN, ‘Vibrant, funny and wise – a book to savour’ – Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of THE GIRL OF INK AND STARS, 'A joyful and thoughtful celebration of family, identity and inclusivity' – Anna James, author of the PAGES & CO. series
Discussion points
How do you think Matthew felt when he discovered he could fly? What would you do if you suddenly had that ability?
Matthew encounters many challenges along his journey. Which one do you think was the hardest for him, and why?
In the story, Matthew learns a lot about trust and friendship. Can you think of a time when you had to trust someone or make a new friend?
The book explores the idea of being different. What makes Matthew different, and how does it affect him? Have you ever felt different from others?
What do you think the main message or lesson of the book is? How can you apply it in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the story to life. Change your voice for different characters and emphasize dramatic parts to keep your child engaged.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Matthew’s world by asking them what they would do in similar situations. This helps deepen their understanding and empathy.
After each chapter, pause to discuss the events with your child. This helps them to process the story and connect it with their own experiences.
Link discussions to real-life scenarios. For instance, talk about times when they faced challenges and ask how they overcame them.
Highlight the importance of friendships and trust, drawing parallels to your child’s life and encouraging them to share their own stories related to these themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience through adversity
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous challenges but consistently demonstrates perseverance and courage, which ultimately leads to personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to face their own challenges with determination and understanding that setbacks can lead to growth.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: The story emphasizes the value of having supportive friendships and how friends can help overcome difficult times together.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to foster strong relationships with their peers, understanding that teamwork and support are essential in both good and tough times.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, the main character learns to accept and value his unique traits, illustrating a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace their individuality and recognize that everyone has unique qualities that make them special.
Example Lesson: Coping with loss
Explanation: The book addresses themes of loss and how the character navigates through his emotions, showing readers healthy ways to deal with grief.
Real-World Application: Children can understand that grief is a natural response to loss and learn coping mechanisms to help them through their emotions.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: The protagonist encounters unfamiliar situations and learns to brave the uncertainty with courage, which helps him to grow and adapt.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to approach new experiences or changes in life with bravery and an open mind, turning fear into opportunity for growth.