Burnout
on Goodreads (574)
What’s inside...
Written by Rebecca Donner and illustrated by Inaki Miranda, this graphic novel explores the life of Danni, a teenager who moves in with her mom's alcoholic boyfriend. Danni's life becomes more complicated when she develops a crush on her soon-to-be stepbrother, Haskell. As she navigates her feelings and family dynamics, Danni also confronts first love, family secrets, and the politics of ecoterrorism, all set against the lush backdrop of the Pacific Northwest. Rebecca Donner is a multi-talented author, playwright, and musician, while artist Inaki Miranda is known for his detailed illustrations in FABLES and 2000AD.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
147 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the main character's journey in 'Burnout'? How did it make you feel?
Can you think of a time when you felt like the main character? What helped you during that time?
What did you learn about dealing with stress and difficult situations from this book?
Do you think the way the characters handled their challenges was effective? Why or why not?
What is one thing you would do differently if you were in the main character's situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a comfortable and quiet reading environment to help your child focus on the discussion.
Show genuine interest in their opinions, and validate their feelings even if they differ from your perspective.
Relate the book’s themes to real-life situations your child might encounter to make the discussion more relevant.
Encourage your child to ask their own questions about the book, enhancing their critical thinking skills.
Praise their insights and encourage them to share their thoughts and solutions, reinforcing their confidence and problem-solving abilities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous challenges but uses inner strength and determination to overcome them, reinforcing the notion of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face difficulties in their own lives with perseverance and not easily give up on their goals.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Characters in the book demonstrate understanding and care for others, which highlights the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to consider other people's feelings and perspectives, promoting kindness and cooperation in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Support
Explanation: The story emphasizes the protagonist’s reliance on family support during tough times, showcasing the strong familial bonds.
Real-World Application: Children can value and seek support from their family members in times of need, fostering strong family relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage to Make Decisions
Explanation: The main character makes bold decisions, teaching children the importance of courage in decision-making.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to make brave choices and stand by them in their personal growth journey.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: The book presents scenarios where the characters learn from their missteps, emphasizing the learning process.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to view mistakes as opportunities for growth and not fear failure, promoting better learning and adaptability.