How We Fall Apart
#1 in How We Fall Apart Series
on Goodreads (6,247)
What’s inside...
Nancy Luo is shocked when her former best friend, Jamie Ruan, top ranked junior at Sinclair Prep, goes missing, and then is found dead. Nancy is even more shocked when word starts to spread that she and her friends--Krystal, Akil, and Alexander--are the prime suspects, thanks to 'The Proctor,' someone anonymously incriminating them via the school's social media app. They all used to be Jamie's closest friends, and she knew each of their deepest, darkest secrets. Now, somehow The Proctor knows them, too. The four must uncover the true killer before The Proctor exposes more than they can bear and costs them more than they can afford, like Nancy's full scholarship. Soon, Nancy suspects that her friends may be keeping secrets from her, too.
Character compass
Nancy Luo
Krystal Choi
Alexander Lin
Akil Patel
Discussion points
What do you think motivates the characters to keep secrets from each other?
How do the characters' actions affect their friendships throughout the story?
What lesson can we learn about trust and honesty from the characters' experiences?
How would you have handled the pressures faced by the characters in the book?
What does this story teach us about the impact of competition and academic pressure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ask your child how they relate to the characters and situations in the book, encouraging them to draw parallels to their own experiences.
Discuss the consequences of the characters' decisions to foster critical thinking about cause and effect.
Highlight the importance of empathy by asking your child how they think the characters felt during key scenes.
Encourage your child to express what they would have done differently if they were in the characters' shoes, supporting their problem-solving skills.
Use examples from the book to discuss broader life lessons about friendship, trust, and integrity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'How We Fall Apart', characters find themselves in deep trouble due to lies and secrets. The story reveals the complications and negative consequences that arise from dishonesty.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value honesty in their own lives, understanding that being truthful helps to build trust and simplify complicated situations.
Example Lesson: The impact of peer pressure
Explanation: The book portrays characters who make questionable decisions under the influence of their peers. It illustrates the conflict between choosing what’s right and the desire to fit in with friends.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of making their own decisions and not succumbing to peer pressure. It encourages them to stay true to their values and beliefs.
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting differences
Explanation: As the plot unfolds, characters in the book learn about each other's backgrounds and perspectives, leading to a greater understanding and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing diversity in their schools and communities, learning to appreciate what makes people unique while fostering an inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Throughout 'How We Fall Apart', characters face the consequences of their actions, which teaches responsibility and accountability.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that their actions have effects on themselves and others, encouraging them to think before they act and to take responsibility for their decisions.