DIVERGENT

Divergent is the first book in a high-adventure, Science Fiction genre series of books. This riveting book, so beautifully written by author Veronica Roth, tells the story of an evolved society that relies on the technological advancements of the day to group people. To the detriment of humanity the world has become declined and degraded so the powers that be have come up with the resolution to group people into five categories of people, or factions as they are known in the book. People are tested with the most extreme physical test and psychological simulations as part of the sifting into these factions. Roth paints a dismal, yet engaging picture, through just her text through, as the readers follows the main character who makes a choice that strips her from the safety and security of her family. However, she eventually must come to grips that she does not fit so nicely into any of the factions. This futuristic thrill ride, published in 2012, takes you into a world and time far beyond our own and into a future full of technological advancements coupled with moral decline. This book would be a great addition to any 6-12 grade classroom.

Divergent Movie Adaptation Trailer

Discussion Questions:

- What categorizes a book as being a Science Fiction?  

- What makes this book a Science Fiction genre book?

- Contrasting what is happening in this book with the world today, what is so different about the world in which this book takes place?

- What would you say is the main theme of this book?

- Which faction would you say that you would fit best in and why?

- What is the main conflict in this book?

- Is that conflict ever solved and, if so, how?

Motivational Activity:

First, the students will take a "What Faction Are You" quiz that the teacher will provide. Once each student has taken the test and figured out which faction suits them best they well break into small factions, based on their quiz result. However, just like in the book, the students will have an opportunity to choose for themselves if they wan tot go to the faction they have tested to be or to a faction of their own choosing like the main character. Each week the students will assemble with their own chosen faction and discuss what they have read during the past week's reading. They will compile their data and present to class. Part of their analysis will be to not only find out as much as they can about their own faction, but to also see the impact of their faction on the whole society as a whole. This activity is a good way to help engage the students in reading the book, help them to make text to self connections, and develop higher-order thinking through application.

The Faction Quiz Site: http://www.divergentfans.com/page/faction-quiz

If you like this Science Fiction book, here are some other titles you might enjoy:

*Ender's Game (1994) : Grades 6-12

*A Wrinkle in Time (1973) : Grades 4-12

Resource:

Roth, V. (2012).  Divergent. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers