Dark and Shallow Lies
on Goodreads (19,613)
What’s inside...
A teen girl disappears from her small town deep in the bayou, where magic festers beneath the surface of the swamp like water rot, in this chilling debut supernatural thriller for fans of Natasha Preston, Karen McManus, and Rory Power. La Cachette, Louisiana, is the worst place to be if you have something to hide. This tiny town, where seventeen-year-old Grey spends her summers, is the self-proclaimed Psychic Capital of the World--and the place where Elora Pellerin, Grey's best friend, disappeared six months earlier. Grey can't believe that Elora vanished into thin air any more than she can believe that nobody in a town full of psychics knows what happened. But as she digs into the night that Elora went missing, she begins to realize that everybody in town is hiding something - her grandmother Honey; her childhood crush Hart; and even her late mother, whose secrets continue to call to Grey from beyond the grave. When a mysterious stranger emerges from the bayou - a stormy-eyed boy with links to Elora and the town's bloody history - Grey realizes that La Cachette's past is far more present and dangerous than she'd ever understood. Suddenly, she doesn't know who she can trust. In a town where secrets lurk just below the surface, and where a murderer is on the loose, nobody can be presumed innocent--and La Cachette's dark and shallow lies may just rip the town apart.
Age
13-14
Length
421 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Grey
Discussion points
How do you think Grey felt when she discovered the mysteries surrounding her town? What would you do in her situation?
What role do you think friendship plays in this story? How do Grey's relationships impact her actions?
The setting of La Cachette is described as a character of its own. How does the environment influence the events in the book?
Why is it important to seek the truth, even if it might be difficult or scary? How does Grey handle her fears?
What did you learn about trust and secrets from this story? How can this apply to your own experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own perceptions of the book's themes and ask your child to share theirs. This shows that their opinion is valued.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them how they would react in similar situations as the protagonist, fostering empathy and understanding.
Discuss the setting of the book and its impact on the story to help your child understand the importance of context in literature.
Explore the moral dilemmas faced by characters to help your child develop their own sense of ethics and morality.
Ensure your child feels comfortable expressing both positive and negative aspects of the book. This can lead to a more holistic understanding and open conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'Dark and Shallow Lies,' characters who withhold the truth eventually face more complex problems. The story demonstrates that secrets can lead to mistrust and larger issues within the community.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of being honest in their daily interactions, leading to stronger, more trusting relationships with family and friends.
Example Lesson: Understanding the impact of one's actions
Explanation: The book portrays how individual actions, whether good or bad, can affect others within a community. The ripple effects of one’s decisions are explored through the interconnected lives of the characters.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children see how their choices can influence others around them, promoting a sense of responsibility and mindfulness about their actions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: As characters in the novel navigate complex emotions and situations, readers see examples of empathy and compassion. These themes are crucial in understanding and supporting others despite their circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by acknowledging and respecting the feelings and experiences of others, contributing to their emotional intelligence and social skills.
Example Lesson: The strength of community
Explanation: The book illustrates how a tightly-knit community can face challenges together and help each other overcome obstacles, showcasing the power of collective support.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to participate and contribute positively to their own communities, whether at school, in extracurricular activities, or within their neighborhood.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Characters in the story often persevere through difficult situations, demonstrating resilience. This theme is vital as it shows that despite hardships, one can emerge stronger.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain resilient during tough times, understanding that facing challenges is a part of growth and personal development.