Dead Wednesday
on Goodreads (1,798)
What’s inside...
Worm Tarnauer has spent most of eighth grade living down to his nickname. He prefers to be out of sight, underground. He's happy to let his best friend, Eddie, lead the way and rule the day. On Dead Wednesday, each eighth grader is assigned the name of a teenager who died in the past year and wears a black shirt to symbolically become invisible, ostensibly to contemplate their own mortality. However, the students see it as an opportunity to go wild, being invisible to teachers. But this Dead Wednesday, Worm encounters Becca Finch, a girl who died in a car crash at 17. Letting Becca into his head changes everything for Worm, challenging his views and his behavior.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-13
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Worm felt on Dead Wednesday, and why do you think the day had such an impact on him?
If you were to step into someone else's shoes for a day, whose would they be and what would you hope to learn?
The theme of transformation is central in 'Dead Wednesday.' Can you think of a moment in your life where you experienced change? What triggered it?
Why do you think it's important for the students in the book to experience being 'invisible' for a day?
What lessons do you think Worm and other characters learned by the end of 'Dead Wednesday'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the character Worm’s journey and relate it to any personal experiences of growth or change they’ve had.
Discuss the significance of empathy in the story and in real life. Ask your child how they think understanding others' feelings and perspectives can help us.
Use examples from the book to talk about the concept of invisibility. Ask your child how they think they would feel if they were invisible for a day, and what they believe they could learn from such an experience.
Highlight the importance of self-discovery and personal transformation discussed in the book. Prompt your child to think about ways they have or can grow and change.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Dead Wednesday', the protagonist learns to understand the life and challenges of another person who had passed away. This deep dive into another's life fosters empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to consider the feelings and perspectives of others in their daily interactions, which can lead to more harmonious relationships.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The book demonstrates how every action, no matter how small, can have significant consequences. The protagonist sees firsthand how choices can impact not just the individual but also those around them.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think carefully about their decisions and actions, understanding that they are accountable for the outcomes.
Example Lesson: Valuing life and opportunities
Explanation: As the story unfolds, the main character learns to appreciate life and the opportunities that come with it, highlighted through the 'Dead Wednesday' ritual where students 'become dead' to observe life from a sidelined perspective.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their lives, seize opportunities, and make the most of every day, understanding that not everyone has the same chances.
Example Lesson: Personal growth through unique experiences
Explanation: The story illustrates how unique experiences, like the one the protagonist undergoes, can lead to significant personal growth and a change in perspective.
Real-World Application: This lesson can motivate children to step out of their comfort zones, try new things, and embrace growth, shaping them into well-rounded individuals.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and dealing with loss
Explanation: The protagonist learns to accept and cope with the concept of loss through the ritual of 'Dead Wednesday', which simulates a loss to teach this vital life skill.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and accept loss in a healthy way, preparing them for inevitable challenges in life.