#1 in The Unwanteds Series
The Unwanteds
2011 by
on Goodreads (42,554)
What’s inside...
In a society that purges thirteen-year-olds who are creative, identical twins Aaron and Alex are separated, one to attend University while the other, supposedly Eliminated, finds himself in a wondrous place where youths hone their abilities and learn magic.
Why read this book
- Fosters creativity through fantastical elements and settings.
- Encourages resilience and resourcefulness in problem-solving.
- Supports emotional development through character relationships.
- Enhances understanding of complex social dynamics.
The Big Picture
- Creativity as a pathway to freedom and success.
- Resilience through rejection and adversity.
- Teamwork and diversity bring strength.
- Challenging societal norms with courage.
Diversity & Representation
- Showcases leadership skills in diverse characters.
- Cultivates respect for creativity and differences.
- Encourages understanding of multiple perspectives.
Book in series
#1
Age
9-13
Length
416 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
How do you think Alex felt when he was labeled as Unwanted? How would you feel in his place?
What role does creativity play in the world of The Unwanteds? Can you think of a situation where creativity helped solve a problem?
Discuss the relationship between Alex and Aaron. How do their interactions reflect their personal struggles and beliefs?
How do the leaders on the island of Artime use their power? What do you think makes a good leader?
If you could possess any magical power like the characters in the book, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s themes, relating them to personal experiences or current events. This helps deepen their understanding and empathy.
Use the creative elements of the story, such as the magical spells and creatures, as a springboard for imaginative play or art projects related to the book.
Discuss the differences and similarities between the worlds of Quill and Artime to enhance critical thinking about the societies and their rules.
Highlight the importance of choice and consequence in the book to promote discussions about moral and ethical decisions in real life.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to predict what might happen in the next book of the series, fostering excitement and anticipation for continued reading.
What parents love
Captivating story, my child couldn't put it down!
Handled sensitive themes beautifully, very appropriate.
Perfect blend of fun and educational content.
Encourages creativity and resilience in kids.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: The power of creativity
Explanation: In 'The Unwanteds', creativity is the central theme, as children deemed 'unwanted' discover their creative abilities in a magical world. These abilities lead to success and survival.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace their unique creative talents and think innovatively in both academic and personal aspects.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The protagonist, Alex, builds strong, supportive friendships that help overcome challenges. These bonds emphasize trust, support, and collaborative problem solving.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of building and maintaining positive relationships, and how teamwork can often lead to better solutions.
Example Lesson: Overcoming adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book face various challenges but learn to overcome them through resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that facing difficulties is a part of life and that perseverance and courage are key to overcoming these obstacles.
Example Lesson: The importance of choice and consequences
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters make choices that have significant consequences. This underlines the importance of decision-making.
Real-World Application: Aids in teaching children that their choices matter and can lead to various outcomes, encouraging thoughtful decision-making.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: The story portrays a world where people are segregated by their qualities. It demonstrates how acceptance and embracing differences enrich everyone's experiences.
Real-World Application: Promotes inclusivity and respect for diversity, helping children appreciate and celebrate differences in others in their own communities.