The main thing motivating the teens in Tomorrow, When the War Began is the fact that they come home to find their families completely missing, taking captive by invading soldiers and held hostage at the Showground where the kids can't reach them. So yeah, family's kind of a big deal in this book.
That said, family doesn't just refer to blood lines or people you share a last name with; it is ultimately about connection and commitment, and in this way, this band of friends becomes a makeshift family in their own right, watching out for each other and working together to survive.
Questions About Family
- In what ways do the campers seem like family? Are there ways in which they aren't like family?
- How would you feel if your family was taken as prisoners? Would you try to rescue them?
- Are the teens foolish to try to rescue their families? Why or why not?
Chew on This
In this book, family isn't just about blood relations; it has to do with being part of a community that shares common goals.
Family is the most important reason for the teens to take action.