Our Crooked Hearts
on Goodreads (11,540)
What’s inside...
Secrets. Lies. Bad choices. Dangerous magic. . . . This is Our Crooked Hearts, a contemporary fantasy 'so precise and enthralling that the only explanation is that Albert herself is a witch' (Booklist, starred review). On the way home from a party, seventeen-year-old Ivy and her soon-to-be ex nearly run over a nude young woman standing in the middle of a tree-lined road. It’s only the first in a string of increasingly eerie events and offerings: a dead rabbit in the driveway, a bizarre concoction buried by her mother in the backyard, a box of childhood keepsakes hidden in her parents’ closet safe. Most unsettling of all, corroded recollections of Ivy and her enigmatic mother’s past resurface, with the help of the boy next door. What if there’s more to Ivy’s mother than meets the eye? And what if the supernatural forces she messed with during her own teen years have come back to haunt them both? Ivy must grapple with these questions and more if she’s going to escape the darkness closing in. Straddling Ivy’s contemporary suburban town and her mother’s magic-drenched 1990s Chicago, this bewitching and propulsive story rockets towards a conclusion guaranteed to keep readers up all night.
Age
14-18
Length
341 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ivy
Dana
Marion
Harriet
Discussion points
How do the characters' actions reflect their inner struggles and desires?
What do you think is the significance of the title 'Our Crooked Hearts'?
In what ways do the relationships in the book change over time and what causes these changes?
How do the setting and atmosphere influence the story?
What lessons can we learn about trust and secrets from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the characters' experiences to their own life by asking how they would react in similar situations.
Discuss the moral implications of the characters' decisions to enhance critical thinking.
Point out the symbolism used throughout the book and ask your child what they think those symbols represent.
After reading the book, ask your child to summarize the story in their own words, which helps in understanding and retaining what they've read.
Create a comfortable and distraction-free environment that encourages open conversation about the book's themes and characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Throughout 'Our Crooked Hearts,' characters learn the consequences of hiding the truth and the relief and resolution that come with honesty.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the value of being truthful with their family and friends, fostering trust and open communication in their relationships.
Example Lesson: Understanding generational differences
Explanation: The book explores the interactions between different generations, highlighting how past experiences shape present behaviors and attitudes.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more empathetic and considerate towards their parents and grandparents, recognizing that their viewpoints might be influenced by past experiences.
Example Lesson: The power of self-acceptance
Explanation: Characters in the book struggle with acceptance of their personal and family history, learning that embracing one's true self is crucial for personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their unique qualities and backgrounds, which can boost self-esteem and encourage them to pursue their true interests without fear of judgment.
Example Lesson: The impact of facing fears
Explanation: In 'Our Crooked Hearts,' characters confront their fears, and this confrontation leads to personal growth and resolution of conflict.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that facing their fears, though challenging, can lead to positive changes and overcoming personal obstacles.
Example Lesson: The consequences of choices
Explanation: The book demonstrates how characters' choices have lasting impacts on their lives and the lives of others, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful decision-making.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think critically about the choices they make daily and consider potential outcomes to make responsible decisions.