Unforsaken (Banished)
#2 in Banished Series
on Goodreads (621)
What’s inside...
Hailey Tarbell is no typical girl. As one of the Banished who arrived from Ireland generations ago, Hailey has the power to heal and, as she recently learned, to create zombies if she heals someone too late. But now, Hailey is finally getting a chance at a normal life. After realizing the good and bad sides of her power, Hailey has survived the unimaginable to settle with her aunt, Prairie, and her little brother, Chub, in the suburbs of Milwaukee. Finally Hailey has a loving family, nice clothes, and real friends. But her safe little world is blown apart when she tries to contact her secret boyfriend, Kaz and alerts the incredibly dangerous man who's looking for her to her true whereabouts.
Character compass
Hailey Tarbell
Tessa
Chubs
Prairie
Discussion points
What do you think made the main character feel unforsaken despite the challenges faced?
How do you think teamwork played a role in overcoming obstacles in the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character's shoes?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to the main character? How did you handle it?
What is the most important lesson you learned from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book without interrupting. Validate their feelings and perspectives to foster an open and trusting dialogue. Draw parallels between the story and real-life situations your child might encounter to deepen their understanding and empathy. Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child’s interpretations and emotions. Ensure to share your viewpoints as well, creating a balanced conversation and a shared learning experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of resilience
Explanation: In 'Unforsaken (Banished)', the protagonist faces numerous challenges and setbacks but continually finds the strength to persevere and adapt.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges with determination and not give up easily, whether it's dealing with schoolwork or personal issues.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship and trust
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters form bonds of friendship that help them overcome obstacles, demonstrating the value of trusting and supporting others.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to cultivate strong, supportive friendships in their own lives, understanding that teamwork can often lead to better outcomes than working alone.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The book illustrates how choices have consequences, both good and bad, and that the characters must accept responsibility for their actions.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to think about the potential outcomes of their actions and to make thoughtful decisions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters in the book often face situations requiring them to understand others’ perspectives, fostering empathy and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with others in real life, understanding different viewpoints and showing compassion in their interactions.