Driver's Ed
on Goodreads (1,698)
What’s inside...
Driver's Ed, a novel by Caroline B. Cooney, is a cautionary tale that explores the themes of responsibility, consequences, and the impact of seemingly harmless choices on individuals and their communities. The story follows high school students Remy Marland and Morgan Campbell who, along with their peers, are taking a driver's education class. Eager to gain the freedom that comes with a driver's license, they are also exposed to the serious responsibilities of driving. One night, on a dare, Remy and Morgan steal a street sign as a prank. This seemingly minor act of rebellion leads to a tragic accident when an elderly woman is killed because the missing stop sign causes confusion at an intersection. The novel delves into the aftermath of the accident, the guilt and moral dilemmas that Remy and Morgan face, and the ripple effects their actions have on their families and community. Through this narrative, Cooney addresses the importance of making ethical decisions and the harsh realities that can result from thoughtless behavior.
Age
11-12
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Remy Ward
Nickie Budie
Morgan Campbell
Mr. Fielding
Rembrandt "Remy" Marland
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Remy and Morgan to take the road sign, and do you think it was justified?
How do the characters' actions in the book teach us about responsibility and consequences?
What can we learn from the strained relationships between the teenagers and their parents?
How do the decisions made by various characters affect their lives and the lives of others around them?
What would you have done differently if you were in Remy or Morgan's situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions on the characters' decisions and discuss the outcomes. This helps develop critical thinking and moral reasoning.
Discuss the real-life implications of actions like those taken by Remy and Morgan, emphasizing the importance of responsibility.
Ask your child how they would handle difficult decisions in their own lives, using scenarios from the book as examples.
Explore the theme of parental influence and guidance in the book, and relate it to your child’s experiences and observations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Driver's Ed', the characters Remy and Morgan learn about the consequences of their actions after stealing a stop sign as a prank, which leads to a tragic accident.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the importance of considering the consequences of their actions and making responsible choices in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The novel explores the emotional turmoil and guilt faced by Remy and Morgan after the accident, teaching readers about the impact of their actions on others.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop an understanding of how their actions affect others and the importance of caring for other people's feelings and well-being.
Example Lesson: The importance of obeying rules and laws
Explanation: Through the narrative of 'Driver's Ed', the repercussions of breaking the law are clearly illustrated, emphasizing why rules are put in place for everyone's safety.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to respect and adhere to rules and laws, understanding that they are essential for the safety and order of society.
Example Lesson: Dealing with guilt and making amends
Explanation: The characters struggle with guilt and strive to make things right, which is a crucial part of the story’s moral backbone.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of acknowledging mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and making reparations as part of personal and social responsibility.
Example Lesson: Peer Pressure
Explanation: The book shows how Remy and Morgan are influenced by peer pressure to commit the act of stealing the sign, highlighting the challenges teenagers face.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to develop the confidence to make independent decisions and resist negative peer pressure, fostering a strong sense of self.