STRANDED

Stranded, written by popular host of the reality tv show "Survivor", is a great example of a Contemporary/Realistic fiction genre book at its finest because the events of the book, characters, and setting are plausible in the world today. This mature chapter book tells the story of four children, two sets of siblings, who have been brought together through their parents getting married. The four of them set sail on their uncle's boat only to find that learning to become a blended family is the least of their worries as they must learn to rely on one another to survive being stranded on an island together. The text of this book is so detailed and specific that no illustrations are not necessary to see the beautiful blue of an endless ocean or jagged rocks along the shoreline that set the scene for the setting of these four kids greatest trial.

This book is perfect for a grade 5-8 classroom as it delves into themes of survival, camaraderie and respect for each others individuality and uniqueness.  A book like this perfectly mirrors Saint Leo's value of respect. Through this story we see children who are developing confidence and respect in themselves and their growth in such trying circumstances, as they begin to learn to respect one another for the people that they are.  Each kid may be vastly different from one another, but they all have strengths and abilities that they bring to the table as a small community working together for the common good of the group.

Discussion Questions:

- What would you do if you were stranded on an island?  

- What would be most important to you?

- Would you be the leader of the group?

- Which character do you identify with the most? Why?

- Do you think the kids should split up or stick together?

- What strengths does each character have?

- What weaknesses does each character have to overcome?

- What do you predict will happen in the next book?

Motivational Activity:

Students will be broken into 4 small groups. Each group will represent a particular character. For example, one group will be Team Carter and that group will be the spokesperson for that character sharing and defending Carter's point of view or explaining why the others should follow what their character wants to do. All during the reading of this book each group will generate discussion based on the plight of their character. They will get to discuss within their own group before sharing with the class what they believe should happen.  As an introductory motivation activity, each group will decorate a flag with their character's name and draw pictures that exemplify their character. They can add pictures as they keep reading all through the text.

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

*Stranded 2: Trial by Fire (2013) : Grades 5-8

*Stranded 3: Survivors (2013) : Grades 5-8


Resource:

Probst, J. & Tebbetts, C. (2013).  Stranded. New York, NY: Puffin