Going Vintage
on Goodreads (7,201)
What’s inside...
Sixteen-year-old Mallory discovers that her boyfriend Jeremy is cheating on her in an online game. As she struggles with the impact of technology on her personal life, she finds a list of goals her grandmother made in the 1960s. Inspired by the simplicity of her grandmother's era, Mallory decides to 'go vintage' and swap modern conveniences for the customs of the past, hoping to find answers to her problems. However, living a vintage life proves to be more complicated than anticipated, as Mallory navigates challenges with her family, a potential new love interest, and the realization that the past was not as simple as it seemed.
Age
12-15
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mallory
Oliver Kimball
Ginnie
Jeremy
Discussion points
What do you think Mallory learned from her experience of 'going vintage'? How do you think it changed her perspective on modern technology?
How do Mallory’s relationships with her family and friends shift throughout the story? What can we learn from these changes?
If you had to give up one modern technology, like Mallory did, which one would you choose and why?
What role do you think honesty plays in Mallory’s story? Can you think of a situation where being honest is really important?
How does the author use humor to address serious topics? Can you remember a part of the book that made you laugh but also made you think?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their own life and use of technology with Mallory's 'vintage' experiment. This can open a dialogue about the pros and cons of modern technology.
Discuss the different relationships in the book, focusing on how Mallory interacts with her family and peers. This can lead to a conversation about your child's relationships and the importance of communication.
Use examples from the book to have a discussion about integrity and honesty in personal relationships. Highlight how Mallory handles her challenges and what we can learn from them.
Mention specific funny scenes from the book to make the discussion more engaging and relatable, while also pointing out the underlying messages.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'Going Vintage', the protagonist learns the value of being truthful to herself and others as she navigates through her personal challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by practicing transparency and honesty in their daily interactions with family and friends, fostering trust and stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Understanding and embracing change
Explanation: As the story unfolds, the main character learns to adapt to changes and see them as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that change is a natural part of life. Embracing it can lead to new opportunities and personal development.
Example Lesson: The impact of technology on relationships
Explanation: The book explores how technology can both positively and negatively affect relationships, prompting a reflection on the balance between online and offline life.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more mindful of their technology usage, ensuring it enhances rather than hinders their real-life relationships.
Example Lesson: The value of self-discovery
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning more about her true desires and aspirations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore their own interests and passions, helping them build a stronger sense of identity and confidence.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The lead character shows resilience when faced with personal difficulties, demonstrating that obstacles can be overcome with determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to persevere through their own challenges, understanding that resilience is key to overcoming obstacles.