Jackpot
#1 of 8 in The Swindle Series
on Goodreads (6,459)
What’s inside...
From the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Dear Martin comes a pitch-perfect romance that examines class, privilege, and how a stroke of good luck can change an entire life. Meet Rico, a high school senior and cashier who races home every day to take care of her younger brother. When she sells a jackpot-winning lotto ticket, she teams up with her rich classmate Zan to find the unclaimed ticket holder. As they navigate their differences, they explore the dynamics of class, money, and making one's own luck. This thought-provoking tale dives into issues of class privilege and deprivation, encapsulating the politics of luck and love.
Character compass
Griffin Bing
Melissa Dukakis
Savannah Drysdale
Ben Slovak
Logan Kellerman
Darren Vader
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the story, and why did it stand out to you?
If you were in the main character's shoes, how would you have handled the situation?
What do you think the main message or lesson of the story is?
How did the characters change from the beginning of the book to the end?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to any of the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, ensure you are actively listening to your child’s responses and validate their feelings.
Use follow-up questions to deepen the conversation. Encourage your child to explain their thoughts and connect the story to their own experiences.
If your child is hesitant to answer, share your own thoughts and interpretations of the story to spark a more natural discussion.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to enhance their critical thinking and creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: In the book, the characters learn the importance of telling the truth when a misunderstanding leads to a series of comic events.
Real-World Application: Children can understand from the story that being honest helps to build trust and resolve conflicts in real life.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: The characters have to work together to organize a large event, showcasing how cooperation can lead to successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to participate in group activities and understand that collaboration is key to achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Persistence in the face of challenges
Explanation: One of the characters struggles to learn a new skill, but their persistence pays off, emphasizing the importance of not giving up.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to keep trying and practicing, whether it is in sports, learning a new subject, or any other skill they are developing.