Crazy Beautiful
not part of a series
on Goodreads (1,738)
What’s inside...
In an explosion of his own making, Lucius blew his arms off and now has hooks instead of hands. He chose hooks for practical and financial reasons, but also to make a statement about his difference and to scare even himself. When Lucius meets Aurora, he finds that his hooks do not scare or deter her. She accepts him as he is, making Lucius question the significance of his hooks and what they represent about his inner self. Aurora might be the one to free him from his suffering, or she might just be another person in need of love.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
204 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lucius Wolf
Aurora Belle
Discussion points
What do you think makes Vivien and Luke's friendship special?
How did Vivien show courage in the story, and how does that inspire you?
What lessons can we learn about acceptance and understanding from the book?
In what ways do the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story?
How do you think handling challenges helps us grow, as shown in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Emphasize the importance of diversity and acceptance while discussing the book’s themes.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters and how they relate to their own experiences.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings for the story and discuss the possible outcomes.
Relate the characters’ experiences to real-life situations to help your child connect with the story more deeply.
Celebrate your child's insights and responses to build their confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing uniqueness
Explanation: In 'Crazy Beautiful', the character Lucius undergoes a transformation that makes him different from his peers. Despite hardships, he embraces his uniqueness and shows resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate what makes them unique and understand that being different is not just okay, but can be a source of strength.
Example Lesson: The power of forgiveness
Explanation: Throughout the story, both Lucius and Aurora learn to forgive each other and themselves for past mistakes, showing the healing power of forgiveness.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of forgiveness, aiding them in building healthier relationships and promoting emotional well-being.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Lucius' story shows the consequences of a risky decision he made, which leads to both physical and social challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their actions have consequences and the importance of considering the potential outcomes before acting.
Example Lesson: Importance of empathy
Explanation: Aurora’s interactions with Lucius help her to understand his struggles, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: Promoting empathy in children can enhance their social interactions and increase their sensitivity towards the feelings and experiences of others.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Despite facing numerous challenges, both main characters persist and overcome obstacles, showcasing their resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to remain determined and optimistic even during difficult times.