Vortex
#4 of 6 in Code Red Series
on Goodreads (260)
What’s inside...
Events spiral rapidly out of control when Ben Tracey heads to England with his cousin Annie to spot hen harriers, protected birds of prey. The birds are nesting near a military base where a small group of renegade researchers are finalizing the details of a very secret-and very illegal-project codenamed Vortex. As the clock ticks down, can Ben and Annie prevent disaster? Ben Tracey is having a well-deserved, restful week of birdwatching with his cousin, Annie when they witness a man in an RAF uniform shoot one of the beautiful Hen Harrier birds dead. When, later that day, they meet an old man full of conspiracy theories about the nearby RAF training base they’re curious to know more and creep into the base — Spadeadam. But little do they know that they are in serious danger.
Discussion points
What do you think motivates the main character to embark on such a daring adventure?
How do you think the character's decisions impacted the outcome of the story?
In what ways did the characters show teamwork or leadership?
If you were in the same situation as the protagonist, what would you have done differently?
What lessons can we learn about courage and resilience from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of the characters, enhancing empathy and decision-making skills. Use open-ended questions to foster critical thinking and personal connection to the story’s themes. Highlight passages that showcase character development and ask your child how they might apply these lessons in their own life. Share your thoughts and feelings about the story to model engaged reading and promote a two-way dialogue.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Vortex', the characters must work together to overcome challenges, demonstrating the importance of collaboration and leveraging each other’s strengths.
Real-World Application: Children can apply collaborative skills learned from the story in group projects at school or in community activities, improving social interaction and accomplishment of shared goals.
Example Lesson: Decision-Making and Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist frequently faces tough choices, teaching readers about the consequences of decisions and the importance of thoughtful consideration.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to think more carefully about their choices in everyday life, whether it’s dealing with academic challenges or interpersonal conflicts.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: Characters in 'Vortex' often encounter dangerous situations, but they show bravery and resilience to keep pushing forward.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face fears and overcome obstacles, whether it’s trying out for a sports team, dealing with a tough subject at school, or standing up for a friend.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The book showcases various methods of tactical and creative problem-solving as characters navigate complex scenarios.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children approach problems in a more structured and creative manner, enhancing their ability to find solutions in academic settings or daily dilemmas.