The Limit
What’s inside...
In a dystopian world, children are taken to workhouses if their families exceed the government-imposed debt limit. Thirteen-year-old Matt believes his family is safe due to their financial responsibility. However, a single costly trip to the store pushes his family over the limit, changing his life forever and thrusting him into a relentless thriller. An eighth-grade girl was taken today, and readers are immediately thrust into a fast-paced thriller that doesn't let up for a moment. In a world not too far removed from our own, kids are being taken away to special workhouses if their families exceed the monthly debt limit imposed by the government. Thirteen-year-old Matt briefly wonders if he might be next, but quickly dismisses the thought. After all, his parents are financially responsible, unlike the parents of those other kids. As long as his parents remain within their limit, the government will be satisfied and leave them alone. But all it takes is one fatal visit to the store to push Matt's family over their limit—and to change his reality forever.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you do if you were in Matt's shoes and had to live at the workhouse?
How do you think the concept of a debt limit for families affects the relationship between parents and children?
Why do you think the author chose children to be the ones who pay off family debt? What does it tell us about responsibility?
If you had the chance to create one rule at the workhouse, what would it be and why?
How do you feel about the ending of the book? What other ways could the story have ended?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s setting and plot. Let them draw parallels with their own experiences to deepen their understanding and empathy.
Discuss the motives behind each character's actions, which can help in identifying with and understanding them better.
Ask your child how they think fairness and justice are portrayed in the story, prompting them to think about these concepts in their daily lives.
Highlight the importance of resilience and resourcefulness, which prominent characters in the book frequently demonstrate.
Use examples from the book to talk about financial responsibility and the consequences of debt, explaining these concepts in an age-appropriate way.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of personal responsibility
Explanation: In 'The Limit', the protagonist learns to take responsibility for his actions while under challenging circumstances, understanding the repercussions of his decisions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by taking ownership of tasks such as homework or household chores, learning that their actions influence outcomes.
Example Lesson: Understanding economic principles
Explanation: The story explores themes of debt and financial management through its plot, where children are taken to workhouses to pay off family debts, showcasing the significance of managing resources wisely.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to manage their allowances or savings, gaining early insights into budgeting and the value of money.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book must collaborate to overcome obstacles. This highlights the effectiveness of working together towards a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in team activities, learning to cooperate and value each member’s contribution, which is essential in group projects and sports.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist faces various challenges that require critical thinking to navigate successfully, showing the necessity of a strategic approach.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to approach problems thoughtfully in their daily lives, whether in academic settings or personal decisions.