Defending Taylor (Hundred Oaks, 7)
#7 of 8 in Hundred Oaks Series
on Goodreads (5,793)
What’s inside...
There are no mistakes in love.Captain of the soccer team, president of the Debate Club, contender for valedictorian: Taylor's always pushed herself to be perfect. After all, that's what is expected of a senator's daughter. But one impulsive decision-one lie to cover for her boyfriend-and Taylor's kicked out of private school. Everything she's worked so hard for is gone, and now she's starting over at Hundred Oaks High.Soccer has always been Taylor's escape from the pressures of school and family, but it's hard to fit in and play on a team that used to be her rival. The only person who seems to understand all that she's going through is her older brother's best friend, Ezra. Taylor's had a crush on him for as long as she can remember. But it's hard to trust after having been betrayed. Will Taylor repeat her past mistakes or can she score a fresh start?Praise for Jesse's Girl:"A a fun, sexy, suck-me-in read."-Katie McGarry, author of Nowhere But Here and Pushing the Limits"An absorbing story...highly enjoyable."-Kirkus"Inspires as it entertains."-Publishers Weekly
Character compass
Taylor Lukens
Ezra Carmichael
Senator John Lukens
Discussion points
How does Taylor handle the challenges she faces in the story, and what can we learn from her responses?
In what ways do Taylor's relationships with her peers and family evolve throughout the book?
What are some key decisions that Taylor makes? Do you agree with them? Why or why not?
How does Taylor's experience at her new school compare to her previous one? What lessons can be drawn from her adaptation process?
What role do honesty and integrity play in the plot and characters' development? How important are these values in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings about the book's characters and their decisions, fostering a deeper understanding and personal connection. Use examples from the book to discuss the impact of challenges and changes in their own lives. Reinforce the importance of values like honesty and integrity discussed in the book, relating them to real-life situations your child might face. Highlight Taylor's problem-solving strategies and resilience, prompting your child to think about how they can apply similar approaches in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Accountability and Responsibility
Explanation: Taylor learns to take responsibility for her actions after she is expelled from her private school for taking the blame for a wrongdoing committed by someone else.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of owning up to their actions and understanding the consequences that come with their decisions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: Despite the setbacks she faces, Taylor works hard to clear her name and earn back her lost reputation, demonstrating determination and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by understanding that setbacks are a part of life, and it’s important to keep striving towards their goals despite difficulties.
Example Lesson: Valuing Family and Relationships
Explanation: Throughout the story, Taylor values her relationships with her family and friends, even in tough times, showing the importance of support systems.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of nurturing relationships and seeking support when needed to navigate life’s challenges.
Example Lesson: Emotional Intelligence
Explanation: Taylor navigates complex emotions throughout the story, learning to manage feelings like guilt, anger, and acceptance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be introspective and manage their emotions effectively in their day-to-day interactions.