The Island
What’s inside...
In the year 2010, a cataclysmic event renders maps and governments obsolete, reverting life on Earth to the Middle Ages. Over the next couple centuries, kingdoms with medieval armies arise and barbarians rule with iron fists. Four hundred years later, hope exists on a small island protected by high mountains, where children enjoy advanced technology under the genius George. George and his friends leave the island to search for lost comrades, but become involved with New Wales' people and confront the evil king Tabour.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-12
Length
334 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the island special in the story?
How would you feel if you were one of the characters on the island?
What lessons can we learn from how the characters interacted with each other?
If you could add another character to the story, who would it be and why?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in a different setting?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Change your tone and pace according to the scene to help your child visualize the story better.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character. This can help them connect more deeply with the narrative and express their understanding and emotions.
Relate the story to your child's experiences by asking if they have ever felt similar emotions to the characters.
Encourage your child to predict what might happen next at different points in the book to keep them engaged and thinking critically.
After reading, recap the story together and discuss the moral of the book to reinforce understanding and values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Island,' the characters must work together to solve problems and navigate their environment effectively.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each team member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters encounter various obstacles but persevere and adapt to overcome them.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of not giving up when faced with difficulties, whether it be in their studies, relationships, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The story's setting on an island highlights the beauty and fragility of the natural environment, teaching children to appreciate and care for it.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to engage in environmental conservation efforts, such as recycling, conserving water, or participating in community clean-up days.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: As the characters explore the island, their curiosity leads them to learn and discover new things.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be curious about the world around them, and to seek knowledge through books, experiments, or by asking questions in and out of the classroom.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: The characters in the book come from diverse backgrounds and learn to understand each other's viewpoints.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate diversity and practice empathy in their daily interactions with others, promoting inclusivity and understanding.