The Lake at the End of the World facts for kids
Author | Caroline MacDonald |
---|---|
Genre | Post-apocalyptic fiction |
Published | 1988 |
Media type | |
Awards | Victorian Premier's Award, 1989. Australian Children's Book of the Year Award, 1989. |
The Lake at the End of the World is an exciting young adult novel written by Caroline MacDonald. It was first published in 1988. This story is set in the year 2025, after a big global disaster. The book tells the tale of two teenagers, Hector and Diana, who live in very different worlds. Their adventures show us what life might be like if the world changed forever.
Contents
What is The Lake at the End of the World About?
This book is a type of story called "post-apocalyptic fiction." This means it takes place after a huge event has changed the world as we know it. In this novel, the event was a "nuclear holocaust," which means a war where many powerful bombs were used. These bombs caused a lot of damage and made the world a dangerous place to live.
The story is told from two different points of view. We get to see the world through the eyes of Hector and also through Diana's eyes. This helps readers understand both of their unique experiences.
Who are the Main Characters?
The story focuses on two main characters, Hector and Diana. They both live in a world that has been greatly changed, but their daily lives are very different.
Hector's Secret World
Hector is a teenage boy who has spent his whole life underground. He lives in a hidden bunker with a group of people. This group follows strict rules and believes in certain ideas, almost like a secret society. Hector is the youngest person in this group. He sometimes manages to sneak out of the bunker to see what the outside world is like. He is very curious about what is left above ground.
Diana's Lonely World
Diana is also a teenage girl. She lives with her parents in what seems to be the only surviving family above ground. They believe they are the last people left after the big disaster. Diana's life is very quiet and isolated. She doesn't know that anyone else, like Hector, might still be alive.
What are the Main Ideas in the Book?
The Lake at the End of the World explores several important ideas. It makes readers think about survival, hope, and what it means to be human.
- Survival: The book shows how people might try to survive after a huge disaster. It looks at how they find food, shelter, and safety.
- Isolation: Both Hector and Diana experience a lot of loneliness. The story explores how being cut off from others can affect people.
- Hope for the Future: Even in a difficult world, the characters look for reasons to hope. They wonder if a better future is possible.
- Different Ways of Life: The book compares Hector's structured underground life with Diana's free but lonely life above ground.
Who is Caroline MacDonald?
Caroline MacDonald is the author of The Lake at the End of the World. She is known for writing engaging stories, especially for young readers. Her books often make people think about important topics and different ways of seeing the world.
Awards and Recognition
The Lake at the End of the World was a very successful book. It won two important awards:
- Victorian Premier's Award (1989): This award recognizes excellent books published in the state of Victoria, Australia.
- Australian Children's Book of the Year Award (1989): This is a highly respected award for children's literature in Australia. Winning this award shows that the book was considered one of the best for young people that year.
These awards show that the book was well-loved by readers and critics alike. It is still a popular choice for young adults who enjoy science fiction and stories about survival.