Backstage Pass
on Goodreads (290)
What’s inside...
After moving to Miami, Florida, sixteen-year-old Desert McGraw, whose life as the daughter of a rock star has been anything but normal, determines to make a permanent home for herself and her family--even if it means breaking up the band. She's named after a landform. She learned to walk on the red carpet. And now she's playing hostess to the nation's hottest pop star. Desert McGraw hasn't exactly had a normal upbringing. Her dad fronts the popular rock band Crossfire, and her mom is the group's manager. Always on tour or sitting in on recording sessions, Desert leads a life that looks glamorous to most people. But now that she's sixteen and living in yet another new town -- Miami, this time -- Desert is more than ready to call one place home. There's one problem. How do you know whom to trust -- let alone what guy to hook up with -- when all anyone wants is access to the band? Funny, romantic, and filled with essential rock-star etiquette (the proper attire for cruising in a Jag convertible, how to introduce new friends to your leather-wearing dad, etc.), Backstage Pass is a look at what happens when real life meets every girl's dream.
Age
12-15
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Desert Mcgraw
Skye Mcgraw
Discussion points
What did you think about how the characters handled challenges in 'Backstage Pass'? Can you think of a time when you faced a similar challenge?
How do the friendships in the book compare to your friendships? What makes a good friend in your opinion?
What role does music play in the characters' lives and how do you relate to that?
If you were a character in 'Backstage Pass', who would you be and why?
What lessons did you learn from the story that you think are important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s events, relating them to their own experiences.
Discuss the characters’ decisions and actions, asking your child what they would have done differently and why.
Explore the theme of friendship in the book, encouraging your child to draw parallels with their own relationships and friendships.
Use examples from the book to talk about the importance of perseverance and hard work in achieving goals.
After finishing the book, suggest re-reading favorite parts together, discussing new insights and perspectives that might have been missed the first time.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: In 'Backstage Pass', the protagonist works closely with others to put together a music event. This collaboration shows children how pooling skills and working as a team can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group projects at school or cooperating with siblings during household chores, learning that collective effort often accomplishes more than working solo.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and accountability
Explanation: The main character is tasked with significant responsibilities and learns to handle them with accountability, reflecting the importance of being dependable.
Real-World Application: This lesson translates to everyday life as children learn to take care of their belongings, complete their homework on time, and understand the impact of their actions on others.
Example Lesson: Embracing creativity
Explanation: The story highlights the joy and fulfillment that comes from engaging in creative activities like music and event organizing. It encourages children to explore and express their own creativity.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to pursue artistic endeavors such as drawing, writing, or playing a musical instrument, fostering an outlet for self-expression and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Overcoming challenges
Explanation: As challenges arise during the event planning, the characters come together to find solutions, teaching resilience and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that obstacles are a part of life and that persistence and creativity can help them overcome these challenges.
Example Lesson: Value of hard work
Explanation: Through the detailed planning and effort put into the event, the book promotes the value of hard work and diligence.
Real-World Application: This educates children that success often follows hard work and dedication, whether in their studies, sports, or other activities.