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Jessica Rules the Dark Side

#2 of 5 in Jessica Darling Series

3.89
on Goodreads (10,405)

What’s inside...

Eighteen-year-old Jessica Packwood is struggling to adapt to her new life as a vampire queen alongside her husband, Lucius. When Lucius is accused of murder, Jessica must navigate the treacherous vampire world on her own. With Lucius's life hanging in the balance due to lack of blood, Jessica races against time to uncover the true killer and determine who she can trust, before it's too late.
In series
Series reading

Sequential

Age

13-14

Length

309 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Jessica Packwood (Antanasia Dragomir Vladescu)
Lucius Vladescu
Mindy Stankowicz
Raniero Lovatu

Discussion points

How does Jessica handle the challenges she faces in her new role? What can you learn from her methods?
What do you think about the relationships between the characters? How do they support each other during difficult times?
How does the theme of courage manifest in the story? Can you share a time when you had to be courageous?
What aspects of Jessica’s world do you find most intriguing and why?
In what ways do Jessica's decisions impact those around her? Discuss the importance of considering others when making choices.
Tip: Role play these questions
Foster a deep connection with your child by discussing how the challenges faced by the characters can relate to their personal experiences. Use the open-ended questions to guide a reflective conversation, encouraging your child to express their thoughts and feelings. Highlight the importance of teamwork and support found within the relationships in the book, relating it to your child's interactions with friends and family. Finally, celebrate instances of courage and wise decision-making in the story, motivating your child to share their own experiences and growth.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Jessica, now a princess, navigates the responsibilities of ruling a vampire kingdom, demonstrating the importance of fulfilling roles and duties.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take on household chores or school projects with a sense of duty and accountability.
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: Facing dark forces and palace intrigues, Jessica shows bravery. This helps children understand the value of facing challenges head-on.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this when dealing with difficult situations like bullying or overcoming personal fears.
Example Lesson: Value of trust
Explanation: The plot revolves around trust and betrayal among characters, emphasizing the importance of trust in relationships.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of honesty and trust in their friendships and family relationships.
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting differences
Explanation: Jessica learns about the complexities of a world different from her own, highlighting acceptance and coexistence.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace diverse cultures and perspectives in school and their community.

Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey