We Survivors: A Story from After the End
on Goodreads (273)
What’s inside...
After disease and nuclear warfare decimate the world population, 17-year-old Nadia is sure she's the last person left on Earth. She buries her before-the-end memories and focuses on survival. Then one night, she hears a voice on her radio and everything changes. Nadia finds comfort in her new-found companions, but they also discover an unsettling thread tying them together: their shared birthdays. As they begin to unravel the mysteries surrounding their survival, they soon realize it was no accident, and that they could be in far more danger than they ever imagined. Everything you love about the post-apocalyptic genre (science fiction, survival, adventure...) with a healthy dose of mystery and romance, too! Fans of The 5th Wave, The 100, or Maximum Ride will love We Survivors! Be advised, this novel contains discussions of self-harm and suicide.
Age
13-17
Length
420 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt after the events changed their world, and why?
What lessons do you think they learned about friendship and survival?
If you were in a similar situation, what are some things you think would be important to remember?
How do you think hope played a role in the characters' journey?
What does 'resilience' mean to you after reading this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to summarize the book in their own words, which helps them process the story.
Share your own thoughts about the book's themes, and encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings about the story.
Relate the story's situations to real-life scenarios to help your child make connections between the book and the world around them.
Encourage your child to think about what they would do differently than the characters, fostering critical thinking.
Highlight the importance of resilience and hope, discussing how these themes can apply to personal challenges your child might face.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The characters in 'We Survivors: A Story from After the End' face significant challenges in a post-apocalyptic world, demonstrating perseverance and creativity to survive.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges with determination, whether in solving a difficult puzzle, overcoming a fear, or dealing with a tough situation at school.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must collaborate to overcome obstacles, showing how working together can aid in achieving common goals.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of cooperation and teamwork in group projects or in sports.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: The story emphasizes understanding and helping others despite the harsh circumstances, showcasing the importance of empathy towards others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by showing kindness and understanding towards their peers, helping friends in distress, or supporting family members.
Example Lesson: Innovation and problem-solving
Explanation: Characters in the story invent new ways to deal with their environment and its challenges, highlighting the role of innovation.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively in their daily lives, whether in crafting a new art project or finding a unique solution to a problem at home or school.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: As the characters navigate a drastically changed world, they learn to adapt to new realities, demonstrating flexibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson could help children embrace change in their own lives, such as moving to a new school, welcoming a new sibling, or dealing with any significant life changes.