About This Book
Strange Objects is a sophisticated middle-grade mystery that uses an epistolary format, a collection of letters, diary entries, and photocopies, to tell the story of 16-year-old Steven Messenger. After discovering artifacts from the 1629 Batavia shipwreck, Steven disappears. The book delves into his investigation of the relics and the dark history of mutiny and survival, paralleling it with his own psychological struggles, including psychotic episodes. It's set in Western Australia, exploring the complex history of European settlement and the often-overlooked perspective of Aboriginal people. This novel is ideal for mature readers aged 10-14 who enjoy complex narratives, historical mysteries, and books that prompt critical thinking about truth and perspective.
After discovering valuable relics from a seventeenth-century shipwreck, a sixteen-year-old Australian disappears under mysterious circumstances.
Character Death
Violence
Scary Scenes
peril_danger
mental_health_themes
Discussion Prompts
1
How does the book's format (letters, diaries, photocopies) change how you experience the story compared to a regular novel?
2
The book explores different versions of history. How do Steven's discoveries challenge the 'official' story of the Batavia shipwreck and European settlement in Australia?
3
What role do the Aboriginal characters play in understanding the history presented in the book? How are their perspectives different?
4
Steven experiences 'psychotic episodes.' How does this affect his reliability as a narrator and your understanding of what truly happened?
5
The book parallels characters from the past and present. What similarities do you see between the mutineers from the Batavia and some of the characters in Steven's present day?
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