A Long Stretch of Bad Days
on Goodreads (2,570)
What’s inside...
Lydia Chass plans to leave her small town behind to attend a prestigious journalism program, but a school error leaves her a credit short of graduating. Determined, she transforms her local history podcast into an exposé to investigate an unsolved murder during a disastrous week in Henley, involving a tornado, a flash flood, and other secrets. Teaming up with Bristal Jamison, who also needs a credit to graduate, they unveil hidden secrets of their town, like a brothel and a lost treasure, while facing escalating threats. This gripping mystery by Mindy McGinnis highlights the power of truth and determination as two girls strive to change their town forever.
Age
14-17
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lydia Chass
Bristal Jamison
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.