The Shimmers in the Night: A Novel (The Dissenters Series Book 2)
#2 in The Dissenters Series
on Goodreads (56)
What’s inside...
Cara's mother is still missing and when her brother Jax texts her from 'smart kid's boot camp' in Boston, Cara and her two best friends, Hayley and Jaye, go to the rescue. They discover that the camp is a front for Cara's mother's organization, which is fighting a force intent on reshaping the planet in its own image, leaving no space for anything else, animal, insect, or human. The three girls face a new threat, 'Burners', and learn about the enemy's horrifying plan to 'hollow out' people and use them as weapons. They must navigate the tension and mystery as they join a band of rebels and learn about the true nature of being human.
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Cara to protect the endangered animals?
How do the shimmers in the night affect the characters' decisions throughout the story?
If you were in Cara’s shoes, how would you handle the challenges she faces?
What lessons can we learn about courage and responsibility from the characters in the book?
How do the relationships between characters change and develop throughout the novel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking open-ended questions that relate to the book's themes, such as bravery, environmental conservation, and friendship.
Relate the story to real-life situations by discussing current environmental issues and what your family can do to help.
Highlight the character development in the story and ask your child how they might have felt or reacted in similar situations.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of teamwork and cooperation, asking your child about times they have had to work with others to achieve a goal.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to summarize the story in their own words, promoting comprehension and narrative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous challenges that test her bravery and resolve, demonstrating the importance of courage in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of facing difficulties head-on and the personal growth that comes from confronting one's fears.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book often collaborate to address complex problems, highlighting how teamwork can lead to successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of cooperating with others and that collective effort often yields better results than working alone.
Example Lesson: Environmental consciousness
Explanation: The narrative weaves in themes of nature conservation, teaching children the impact of human actions on the environment.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think about their environment and how they can contribute to its preservation through simple daily actions like recycling and conserving water.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the characters interact with diverse beings, they learn about different perspectives and the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and appreciate the feelings and viewpoints of others, thereby fostering a more inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in pursuit of justice
Explanation: The book's characters often fight for what is right, despite numerous setbacks, showcasing the virtue of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to persist in their beliefs and efforts, even when faced with challenges or when things do not go as planned.