What do you think caused the oil to run out and the storms to get so bad?

This is a discussion prompt for Empty by Suzanne Weyn. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

If you were one of the classmates, what's the first thing you would do to help build a new society?

This is a discussion prompt for Empty by Suzanne Weyn. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

How do the characters show bravery and teamwork in the face of such big challenges?

This is a discussion prompt for Empty by Suzanne Weyn. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What are some small changes we can make in our own lives to be more environmentally friendly?

This is a discussion prompt for Empty by Suzanne Weyn. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

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Empty

Name: Empty
ISBN: 9780545172790

by Suzanne Weyn

As oil supplies vanish and storms rage, a group of classmates must survive a changing world and lead the way toward a sustainable, eco-friendly future.

About This Book

When oil supplies run out and global warming leads to devastating storms, classmates Tom, Niki, Gwen, Hector, and Brock realize that the world as they know it is ending and lead the way to a more environmentally-friendly society.

Concepts

Resilience & Perseverance Teamwork & Collaboration Fear & Bravery Justice & Fairness Curiosity & Wonder Friendship & Loyalty Self-Confidence & Identity Natural Disaster Growing Up Friendship & Social Survival & Wilderness

Heads up, parents

peril_danger

Scary Scenes

environmental_themes

Wonderlit Review

Suzanne Weyn's "Empty" depicts a future where fossil fuels are depleted and climate change has led to severe weather. A group of five diverse classmates, Tom, Niki, Gwen, Hector, and Brock, are faced with the collapse of their familiar world. Instead of succumbing to despair, they take on the challenge of establishing a new, sustainable society. The book addresses the serious topics of environmental collapse and resource depletion directly, but through the lens of children's agency and problem-solving. It doesn't shy away from the consequences but focuses on proactive solutions rather than just the bleakness. The story begins with a sense of impending doom and crisis, shifting to a mood of determination and hope as the children begin to rebuild. It's an arc of challenge and triumph, emphasizing resilience. This book is ideal for children aged 8-11 who are beginning to grapple with environmental issues, enjoy adventure stories, and are inspired by characters who take initiative. It's particularly good for kids interested in science, social justice, and how communities can adapt. A parent might pick up "Empty" when their child expresses concern about climate change or environmental problems, or when they are looking for a story that models teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience in the face of large-scale challenges. It's also a good choice for a child who enjoys survival or dystopian-lite narratives. Parents might want to discuss the concepts of finite resources, global warming, and community building before or during reading. The "world ending" premise can be intense, so reassuring children about the fictional nature and the hopeful outcome is helpful. Younger readers (7-8) might focus more on the adventure and the immediate challenges the characters face, while older readers (9-11) will likely engage more deeply with the environmental themes, the societal implications, and the ethical questions raised by the collapse and rebuilding. Unlike many environmental books that focus solely on the problems, "Empty" provides a narrative where children are the primary agents of change, offering a sense of empowerment and practical, albeit fictionalized, solutions. It blends a dystopian setting with a strong message of hope and collective action.