Those of the Unexpected
Takeaways Series
What’s inside...
Betrayed by the third generation weapons, the Zoeks are scattered. Some have been taken to the Experiment Halls, while some are still in hiding. In an unfortunate twist, Memory and Abednego are taken into custody by a small precinct. The law enforcement have no idea what is ahead of them, but they have an awful feeling it has something to do with the disappearances in the neighborhood a few months before. Tyme, Tech, and Ghost befriend the Gutter Rats, a group of ex-gang members. The three Zoeks unravel the Elite's plan to destroy the neighborhood with one violent act at a time. While their friends fight to save lives, the rest of the Zoeks find themselves in the hands of Agent Jagger and the Elite Representatives. Who will be sold? Who will be executed? And will they ever see each other again?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-17
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to embark on their unexpected journey?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story?
What was the most surprising moment in the book for you? Why?
If you could give advice to one of the characters, what would it be?
How do you think the story would be different if it happened in our hometown?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the world of the book. Ask them how they would feel and react in similar situations.
Highlight the emotions of the characters and relate them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, which can foster empathy and understanding.
Discuss the decisions made by the characters and whether your child agrees with them. This can lead to deeper moral and ethical considerations.
Use the unexpected elements in the book as a way to teach flexibility and open-mindedness in everyday life.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book. This will help them visualize the story and further engage with the content.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Those of the Unexpected,' the protagonist encounters various characters with unique challenges and perspectives. Through these interactions, the protagonist learns to understand and empathize with others' situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize and respect the feelings and viewpoints of their peers and adults, promoting a more inclusive and supportive social environment.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: The story portrays the protagonist's journey facing unexpected obstacles. This showcases how to bravely confront challenges and adapt to changes, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to face their fears, whether trying out for a new sport, participating in a school play, or standing up for what is right, thereby fostering bravery in unfamiliar situations.
Example Lesson: The Value of Curiosity
Explanation: The book champions the protagonist’s curiosity which leads to extraordinary discoveries and solutions. This highlights the benefits of asking questions and seeking new knowledge.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive about the world around them, which can enhance their educational experience and spark an interest in learning and exploration.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'Those of the Unexpected,' the protagonist learns that teamwork can often lead to better solutions than working alone. This is depicted through various collaborative efforts with other characters.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of working with others to achieve common goals in school projects or sports, which is crucial for their future workplace dynamics.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The narrative includes sequences where the protagonist's choices lead to direct outcomes, teaching that actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: Children learn accountability and the impact of their decisions on themselves and others, which is important for their moral development and interpersonal relationships.