A Long Stretch of Bad Days
on Goodreads (2,518)
What’s inside...
Lydia Chass doesn’t mind living in a small town; she just doesn’t want to die in one. A lifetime of hard work has put her on track to attend a prestigious journalism program and leave Henley behind—until a school error leaves her a credit short of graduating. Undeterred, Lydia has a plan to earn that credit: transform her listener-friendly local history podcast into a truth-telling exposé. She’ll investigate the Long Stretch of Bad Days: a week when Henley was hit by a tornado and a flash flood as well as its first—and only—murder, which remains unsolved. But Lydia needs help to bring grit to the show. Bristal Jamison has a bad reputation and a foul mouth, but she also needs a credit to graduate. The unexpected partnership brings together the Chass family—a pillar of the community—and the rough-and-tumble Jamisons, with Bristal hoping to be the first in her family to graduate. Together, they dig into the town’s worst week, determined to solve the murder. Their investigation unearths buried secrets: a hidden town brothel, lost family treasure, and a teen girl who disappeared. But the past is never far, and some don’t want it to see the light. As threats escalate, the girls have to uncover the truth before the dark history of Henley catches up with them. This gripping mystery from award-winning author Mindy McGinnis shows the power of a name and one lie and how two girls can use their voices to change a town forever; 2024 Whippoorwill Award Honor Book
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
14-17
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt during their series of bad days? Can you relate to any of their feelings?
What are some ways the character tried to solve their problems? Which methods do you think were effective?
If you were a friend of the main character, what advice would you give them to help improve their days?
What do you think is the most important lesson the main character learned by the end of the book?
Can you think of a time you turned a bad day into a good one? What did you do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and relate personal experiences to those of the main character. Validate their feelings and share your own stories of overcoming bad days. Ask open-ended questions to help them think critically about the character's decisions and outcomes. Highlight the importance of resilience and looking for positive solutions, reinforcing these values with examples from the book and real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The story follows the main character as they navigate a series of unfortunate events, demonstrating how they overcome each obstacle with perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stay positive and persistent when faced with difficulties, whether it's solving a tough math problem or dealing with a bad day at school.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout the book, interactions with various characters highlight the importance of understanding others' feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more considerate and empathetic towards their peers and family members, fostering healthier relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The protagonist's journey is filled with problems that require creative solutions, emphasizing the value of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by coming up with inventive solutions to their own problems, enhancing their critical thinking and adaptability.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Many of the obstacles in the book are overcome through the collaboration of different characters, showcasing the strength of working together.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the significance of cooperation and how team efforts can achieve greater results, promoting better group work skills.