Buzz Kill
on Goodreads (2,089)
What’s inside...
In this fresh and funny teen mystery, seventeen-year-old Millie investigates the murder of Honeywell Stingers football coach alongside her classmate, the enigmatic Chase Albright. As they navigate a series of clues and dramatic events, including an awkward school dance and memorial, Millie must clear her father's name from suspicion while dealing with her growing reputation at school. Along the way, Millie and Chase uncover secrets that bring them closer to solving the murder, all while Millie finds moments of joy in eating pie and spending time with Baxter, the lovable bassett hound.
Age
11-12
Length
362 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Millie Ostermeyer
Mr. Ostermeyer
Chase Albright
Discussion points
What do you think the main character learned by the end of the story?
How would you handle the situations faced by the characters?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to any of the characters in the book?
What would you do differently if you were in the story?
How did the actions of the characters change the outcome of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book and relate it to their own experiences.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to deepen understanding and connection to the story.
Compare the characters' choices in the book with real-life situations to make it relevant.
Discuss the moral or lesson of the story and how it applies to everyday life.
Use expressive reading to make the story more engaging and enhance comprehension.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters work together to overcome challenges, demonstrating that collective effort often leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn to collaborate with others, whether in school projects or during play, understanding that teamwork can achieve greater results than working alone.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of setbacks
Explanation: The protagonist experiences failures but continues to try, illustrating the value of persistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying even when things are difficult, teaching them perseverance in tasks ranging from homework to sports.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: Characters in the book show compassion and understanding towards each other's feelings, fostering a nurturing environment.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop the ability to empathize with peers and siblings, promoting harmonious interactions and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: The consequences of actions
Explanation: The story highlights how the characters' actions have direct consequences, emphasizing accountability.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of considering the consequences of their actions in daily decisions, from sharing toys to following rules at home or school.
Example Lesson: Celebrating individuality
Explanation: Each character has unique traits that are celebrated, teaching the value of diversity and self-acceptance.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate their own and others’ differences, encouraging self-esteem and inclusivity in social settings.