Bite Risk
#1 of 2 in Bite Risk Series
on Goodreads (581)
What’s inside...
The Last Kids on Earth gets a lupine twist by way of Margaret Peterson Haddix in this eerie middle grade adventure set in a small town where all the adults are werewolves but the kids begin to suspect something else sinister is putting them at even greater risk. When everyone’s a werewolf, it’s hard to spot the monster… Thirteen-year-old Sel lives in the remote, isolated town of Tremorglade, where nothing interesting ever seems to happen. Well, unless you count the one night a month when the full moon rises and kids like him must lock up their parents while they transform into werewolves (though Tremorgladers prefer to call them Rippers). But that’s the whole world’s new normal since the Disruption changed everything well before Sel was born. But when strange things begin happening in Tremorglade, like drones emitting sickening sounds and people behaving oddly, Sel and his friends begin asking questions about what’s really going on in their small town. And suspiciously soon after they do, Rippers begin escaping on confinement nights, people start disappearing, and the kids suspect they’re being followed. Maybe there’s a reason no one ever seems to leave Tremorglade…and it’s up to Sel and his friends to figure out the truth someone doesn’t want them to know before another full moon puts them all at a bite risk.
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they faced challenges? What would you do in their situation?
What are some ways the characters in the story showed kindness or courage?
How did the characters change from the beginning of the book to the end? What caused those changes?
Why is it important to respect each other's differences, as shown in the story?
What is one thing you learned from this book that you can apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their emotions or opinions about the book’s events, relate it to their own experiences.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at pivotal moments in the story to develop their analytical skills.
Discuss the motivations behind each character's actions to enhance empathy and understanding.
Use a comfortable and relaxed setting for reading to make it a positive bonding experience.
Have regular discussions about the book’s themes and characters to reinforce comprehension and retention.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding emotions
Explanation: Bite Risk explores the emotional development of its characters, focusing on understanding and expressing feelings appropriately.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify their own emotions and express them in a constructive manner, helping in interactions with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Importance of empathy
Explanation: The story emphasizes the value of putting oneself in another's shoes, particularly through the protagonist's journey.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to consider others' feelings and perspectives, fostering a supportive and understanding environment at home and school.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Bite Risk teaches about cause and effect through the outcomes of the characters' choices.
Real-World Application: It helps children understand that their actions have consequences, guiding them to make thoughtful decisions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book face challenges but learn to overcome them, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to persevere through their own difficulties, whether they're academic, social, or personal.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: The book showcases strong friendships that help characters grow and succeed.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value and nurture friendships, which can provide emotional support and joy.