By the Book
on Goodreads (8,649)
What’s inside...
In this clever YA rom-com debut perfect for fans of Kasie West and Ashley Poston, a teen obsessed with nineteenth-century literature tries to cull advice on life and love from her favorite classic heroines to disastrous results-especially when she falls for the school's resident Lothario. Mary Porter-Malcolm has prepared for high school in the one way she knows how: an extensive review of classic literature to help navigate the friendships, romantic liaisons, and overall drama she has come to expect from such an 'esteemed' institution. When some new friends seem in danger of falling for the same tricks employed since the days of Austen and Tolstoy, Mary swoops in to create the Scoundrel Survival Guide, using archetypes of literature's debonair bad boys to signal red flags. But despite her best efforts, she soon finds herself unable to listen to her own good advice and falling for a supposed cad-the same one she warned her friends away from. Without a convenient rain-swept moor to flee to, Mary is forced to admit that real life doesn't follow the same rules as fiction and that if she wants a happy ending, she's going to have to write it herself.
Age
11-12
Length
400 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mary Porter-Malcolm
Alex
Lydia
Terry
Arden
Discussion points
What do you think the main characters learned by the end of the story?
How did the characters' actions change the events in the book?
Can you think of a time when you had a similar experience to any of the characters?
How would you have solved the problem in the book differently?
What was your favorite part of the book and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences. Ask them to share thoughts and feelings about the characters and their decisions. Empathize with the characters together and explore different perspectives to deepen understanding. Use praise to reinforce your child’s insights and responses to your questions, fostering a confident and open communication. End your discussion by asking your child to draw or write a continuation or alternative ending to the story, enhancing their creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In the story, characters who tell the truth are rewarded with trust and respect from others, demonstrating the positive outcomes of being honest.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being truthful in their interactions with friends and family, helping to build stronger, more trusting relationships.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces several challenges but continues to strive towards their goals, highlighting the importance of not giving up despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to persist with their educational or personal goals, understanding that overcoming obstacles is a part of achieving success.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Characters show compassion towards each other's situations, teaching that understanding and kindness are vital for healthy interactions.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by considering others' feelings and viewpoints, leading to more harmonious interactions at school and at home.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Taking responsibility for one's actions is a central theme, as characters who own up to their mistakes are able to correct them and make amends.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be accountable for their actions, which is crucial for personal development and social conduct.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The story shows that working together can solve problems that seem insurmountable, highlighting the benefits of cooperation and collaborative effort.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to cooperate with peers in team projects and group activities, enhancing their ability to work effectively in teams.