The Last Bookstore on Earth Workbook - Sample Course

The Last Bookstore on Earth Workbook

Extension Course

Recommended for Grades 9–12

Designed as a supplemental extension course, estimated time: 1–2 hours a day, 4–5 days a week, for 4 weeks.

Content Warning: This book includes dystopian themes, violence, strong emotional situations, swear words and references to death and societal collapse.

The Last Bookstore on Earth by Lily Braun-Arnold is a dystopian novel set in a world on the brink of extinction, where one of the last remaining bookstores becomes a fragile refuge of humanity, memory, and hope. Through a haunting and intimate narrative, the novel explores survival, isolation, love, sacrifice, and the enduring power of stories in a collapsing world. As the characters navigate loss and uncertainty, the book raises compelling questions about what it means to preserve culture, connection, and meaning when the future feels impossible.

This 4-week extension course is designed to be added onto an existing English, literature, dystopian, fiction, or creative writing course. It does not replace a full curriculum, but instead provides structured literary analysis, writing assignments, and deeper engagement with the text.

In this extension workbook, students will engage with the novel’s themes and develop key skills, including:

· Theme Analysis: Examine central themes such as survival, memory, love, hope, isolation, and the role of storytelling in human survival.

· Literary Analysis Essays: Write short answers and extended essays analyzing symbolism, setting, and character development.

· Dystopian Literature Study: Explore how The Last Bookstore on Earth fits within the dystopian genre and how it compares to other dystopian works.

· Character Study: Analyze character motivations, internal conflicts, relationships, and moral choices in a collapsing society.

· Creative Writing: Create original dystopian or speculative fiction inspired by the novel’s themes, tone, or setting.

· Critical Thinking & Discussion: Respond to higher-level prompts that encourage interpretation, inference, and personal connection to the text.

· Narrative Style & Structure: Study Braun-Arnold’s use of pacing, atmosphere, and emotional restraint to create tension and intimacy.

Additional Learning Objectives:

· Tone & Mood: Examine how language, imagery, and scene structure establish a haunting, reflective tone throughout the story.

· Genre Conventions: Identify key characteristics of dystopian fiction and evaluate how this novel both follows and subverts genre expectations.

· Ethical & Moral Questions: Discuss the moral decisions characters must make in extreme circumstances and the cost of survival.

· Creative Expression: Students will transform literary analysis into original creative work, reinforcing the idea of “art from art.”

Throughout the extension course, students will complete focused reading responses, analytical writing assignments, and one major creative writing project and essay. This format allows families to integrate the material into an existing homeschool plan while still providing meaningful depth and rigor.

By the end of the 4 weeks, students will have strengthened their literary analysis skills, refined their writing, and developed a deeper appreciation for dystopian literature and the power of stories.

*This is a digital download. Copy of The Last Bookstore on Earth not included.

FAQ

Is this a full English course?
No. This is a 4-week extension course designed to supplement an existing English, literature, dystopian, or creative writing curriculum.

How much time does this take each day?
Time estimates vary by student. Most families find 1–2 hours per day is sufficient, depending on reading speed and writing depth.

Can we start this course later?
Yes. This is a digital download and can be started at any time.

Can I return this product if it doesn’t work for us?
These materials are delivered as digital downloads and cannot be returned or refunded. All sales are final.