What are the pros and cons of virtual reality games like the one Miriam plays?

This is a discussion prompt for New World by Gillian Cross. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

How does Miriam show bravery when facing her fears, both in the game and in real life?

This is a discussion prompt for New World by Gillian Cross. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

Do you think it's possible for a game to feel too real? What are the dangers of that?

This is a discussion prompt for New World by Gillian Cross. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

If you were Miriam, would you have agreed to test the game in secret? Why or why not?

This is a discussion prompt for New World by Gillian Cross. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

How do the nightmares in the story connect to the challenges Miriam faces in the game?

This is a discussion prompt for New World by Gillian Cross. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

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New World

Name: New World
ISBN: 9780140382617

by Gillian Cross

When fourteen-year-old Miriam is hired to test a top-secret virtual reality game, she discovers the New World is hiding a dark and psychological secret.

About This Book

Fourteen-year-old Miriam agrees to test a new computer game in utmost secrecy but finds that it is more than she bargained for.

Concepts

Fear & Bravery Curiosity & Wonder Resilience & Perseverance Self-Confidence & Identity Anxiety & Worry Justice & Fairness Being Different Peer Pressure Coding & Technology

Heads up, parents

Scary Scenes

peril_danger

Wonderlit Review

Gillian Cross's 'New World' plunges readers into a suspenseful narrative centered around Miriam, a fourteen-year-old protagonist tasked with secretly testing a revolutionary computer game. The book quickly establishes a thrilling premise: the game's immersive nature begins to impact Miriam's reality, manifesting as vivid, terrifying nightmares and a growing sense of peril. While the publisher's age range of 4-11 is too broad and too young for a 14-year-old protagonist in a chapter book, this novel is ideally suited for late elementary to middle school readers, specifically ages 9-14, who are ready for independent reading and enjoy a good mystery with science fiction elements. The book handles sensitive topics like fear and anxiety directly, using the virtual reality game as a powerful metaphor for confronting inner demons and external challenges. The emotional arc starts with excitement and curiosity, quickly shifts to suspense and fear, and ultimately moves towards a hopeful resolution as Miriam finds her courage. This book is specifically for a child who is drawn to technology, computer games, and stories where characters must overcome significant obstacles. A parent might reach for this when their child is looking for an engaging, fast-paced read that also subtly explores the psychological impact of immersive digital experiences. Parents should be aware that the book contains moderately scary scenes and peril, particularly related to Miriam's nightmares and the challenges within the game. It's a good idea to discuss the concept of virtual reality and the distinction between game and reality with younger readers. Older children (10-14) will likely appreciate the suspense and the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and bravery, while younger readers (9-10) might find some scenes intense but manageable with discussion. What sets this book apart from others on similar topics is its early exploration of virtual reality's psychological effects, predating many contemporary discussions, and its focus on a female protagonist navigating a high-stakes technological challenge.