Blood and Chocolate
on Goodreads (43,462)
What’s inside...
Vivian Gandillon is a sixteen-year-old werewolf who struggles with her identity and place in the world. She grieves the loss of her father and feels lost in her leaderless pack in the suburbs of Maryland. Vivian falls in love with a human, Aiden, and faces a dilemma as a brutal murder threatens to expose her pack. Caught between two worlds, Vivian grapples with her dual nature and the choice between blood and chocolate.
Age
11-12
Length
184 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Vivian Gandillon
Aiden Teague
Esmé Gandillon
Astrid
Rafe
Gabriel
Discussion points
How do you think Vivian felt when she had to balance her werewolf identity and her life among humans?
What aspects of the novel show the struggle between personal desires and community responsibilities?
Why is it important for Vivian to keep her werewolf identity hidden, and how does it affect her relationships?
What can we learn from the way different characters react to fear and misunderstanding in the book?
How does the author use the settings, like the forest and the school, to enhance the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight emotions displayed by the characters to help children understand and express their own feelings.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented in the book to foster critical thinking and empathy.
Encourage children to compare and contrast the different characters’ perspectives to enhance comprehension and perspective-taking.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of identity and acceptance in their personal life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing one's identity
Explanation: The protagonist, Vivian, struggles with her dual identity as both a teenager and a werewolf. Throughout the book, she learns to accept and embrace all parts of who she is.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of self-acceptance and being true to themselves, even when they feel different from others.
Example Lesson: Dealing with change
Explanation: Vivian's life undergoes significant changes, and she must adapt to her new circumstances while navigating her personal and family challenges.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that change is a natural part of life and learning to adapt is key to overcoming challenges.
Example Lesson: The importance of belonging
Explanation: Throughout the story, Vivian searches for a place where she belongs, exploring different social groups and eventually finding comfort in her own community.
Real-World Application: Children can learn about the significance of community and finding a group where they feel accepted and supported.
Example Lesson: Consequences of choices
Explanation: Vivian makes several choices in the book that lead to various consequences, teaching her about responsibility and the impact of her actions.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that their choices have consequences and that they should think carefully before making decisions.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: The book highlights interactions between humans and werewolves, pointing towards themes of coexistence and respect for differences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to respect and celebrate differences in others, promoting inclusivity and empathy in their everyday interactions.