Edgewater
on Goodreads (691)
What’s inside...
Lorrie Hollander used to be a rich girl who spent her money on boarding school and equestrian camp. But that was before. It’s been twelve years since Lorrie’s mother skipped town and left Lorrie and her sister in the care of her unstable aunt Gigi. Together they live in a decaying mansion called Edgewater, the eyesore in a town of extraordinary wealth and privilege. While Lorrie is desperately trying to keep her family from collapse, she meets Charlie, the son of an esteemed senator. Terrified that he will learn the truth about her, she holds him at a distance. But Charlie’s family is hiding something, too. And Lorrie could never have imagined how their secrets, and their lives, are inextricably bound. Courtney Sheinmel’s Edgewater is a gripping story of scandal and romance, shame and redemption, and how one girl must come to terms with a shocking past in order to understand who she truly is.
Age
13-14
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lorrie Hollander
Susannah Hollander
Charlie Copeland
Discussion points
How do you think Larissa felt when she found out the truth about her family's past?
What would you do if you were in Larissa’s shoes and had to make decisions about Edgewater?
How did the relationships between Larissa and her friends change throughout the story?
Why do you think honesty was such an important theme in the book?
What did you learn about the consequences of keeping secrets from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use emotive phrases to connect with your child's feelings, such as 'How do you think that made Larissa feel?' This can encourage empathy and deeper understanding of the characters.
Connect the story to your child’s personal experiences to enhance relatability and interest. For instance, discuss a time when they faced a difficult decision or learned a surprising truth.
After reading, encourage your child to summarize what they think the main message of the book was. This helps with comprehension and critical thinking.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next if the book had a sequel, or how they would end the story differently. This sparks creativity and imagination.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Edgewater', the protagonist's experiences in dealing with complex family dynamics and socio-economic challenges foster empathy and a deeper understanding of diverse life situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate the different circumstances of their peers, fostering an inclusive and empathetic environment in their communities.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The book illustrates resilience through the main character's ability to persevere despite difficult living conditions and family turmoil.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of resilience and perseverance in overcoming personal challenges and achieving their goals, encouraging them to stay motivated during tough times.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: Throughout 'Edgewater', the consequences of deceit are explored, emphasizing the value of honesty in building trust and maintaining relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value honesty in their daily interactions, understanding that being truthful builds stronger, more trusting relationships.
Example Lesson: The Impact of Choices
Explanation: The narrative demonstrates how personal choices can significantly affect one's life trajectory, highlighting the importance of thoughtful decision-making.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically about the consequences of their decisions and to make choices that positively impact their lives and the lives of those around them.