Burned
#1 in Burned Series
on Goodreads (68,417)
What’s inside...
Raised in a stern, abusive Mormon household, a teenage girl starts to question her religion and struggles to find her destiny. Her father is abusive, her mother is submissive, and her church looks the other way. Confused and angry, Pattyn Von Stratten acts out and is sent to live with an aunt on a Nevada ranch. She finds the love and acceptance she craves, with disturbing consequences.
Why read this book
- Tackles complex emotions via engaging, narrative poetry.
- Encourages resilience and self-discovery in adolescents.
- Addresses real-life issues, promoting empathy and understanding.
- Supports open dialogue between teens and parents.
Character compass
Pattyn Von Stratten
Ethan
Mrs. Von Stratten
Auntie Jean
Mr. Von Stratten
Discussion points
How did Pattyn's journey and transformations throughout the book make you feel?
What do you think are the consequences of the secrets kept by characters in the story?
In what ways do you think love and support are shown between the characters?
Can you identify a moment in the book that challenged your perspective on right and wrong?
How do you think the setting of the story influenced Pattyn's decisions and life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by sharing your thoughts on the book, setting a comfortable and open atmosphere. Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts, affirming that all opinions are valid. Utilize the questions to dive deeper into the narrative, connecting the themes to real-world situations to enhance understanding. Listen actively, showing interest and empathy towards your child’s viewpoints. If sensitive topics arise, tackle them with sensitivity and provide reassurance and support.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The consequences of addiction
Explanation: The book portrays the harsh realities of addiction through its characters and their struggles, highlighting the personal and familial turmoil it can cause.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of making healthy choices and the impact of substance abuse, encouraging them to steer clear of addictive behaviors.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous challenges and setbacks, yet continually strives to overcome them, demonstrating resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children that despite difficulties, persistence and courage can lead to overcoming obstacles in life.
Example Lesson: The importance of seeking help
Explanation: Characters in the book often find themselves in dire situations and learn to seek help from others, illustrating the importance of support systems in overcoming personal issues.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize when they or someone they know needs help and understand the importance of reaching out to trusted individuals like family, friends, or counselors.
Example Lesson: The impact of family dynamics on personal growth
Explanation: The book explores various family relationships and shows how these relationships profoundly affect the characters’ lives and decisions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to understand and reflect on how their own family dynamics can influence their behavior and development.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery and personal growth
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters undergo significant personal development and self-discovery, influenced by their trials.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace their own journey of self-discovery and understand that personal growth often comes through facing life’s challenges.