Pretty Crooked (Pretty Crooked Trilogy Book 1)
#1 in Pretty Crooked Series
on Goodreads (2,259)
What’s inside...
Willa's secret plan to redistribute wealth at her ultra-exclusive high school by taking from the affluent students and giving to the less fortunate seems simple. However, her role as a modern-day Robin Hood is challenging as she learns to pickpocket and break into lockers while delivering care packages to ostracized scholarship students. Her mission is complicated further by the presence of Aidan Murphy, a distracting and notorious student. As the police begin investigating the burglaries and the targeted students seek revenge, Willa finds herself possibly trusting Aidan the most.
Character compass
Willa Fox
Aidan Murphy
Cherie Fox
Cherise
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Willa to become a modern-day Robin Hood, and do you think her actions were justified?
How do the different characters in the book show the impact of peer pressure and societal expectations?
If you were in Willa’s shoes, how would you handle the situation differently?
What are some ways that Willa’s actions affected her relationships with others in the book?
How do you think the story would change if it were set in our current times?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the moral dilemmas presented in the book. Ask them to consider the consequences of Willa's actions and discuss alternative solutions to the problems she faces. Highlight the importance of understanding everyone's perspective and the complexities of right and wrong. Use examples from the book to discuss the impact of social media and technology on their lives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The protagonist, Willa, embarks on a modern-day Robin Hood quest, stealing from rich classmates to help those less fortunate. This demonstrates empathy by putting herself in others’ shoes and addressing inequality.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be mindful of the various backgrounds and situations of others around them, promoting inclusiveness and compassionate actions.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Willa faces consequences for her actions, which highlights that even well-intended actions can lead to negative outcomes. This helps in understanding the complexity of moral decisions.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to consider the possible impacts of their actions on themselves and on others, encouraging responsible decision-making.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: As the story unfolds, Willa grapples with the secrets she keeps and their repercussions on her relationships, emphasizing the importance of being truthful.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value honesty in their day-to-day interactions and understand how honesty fosters trust in relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for what is right
Explanation: Willa takes bold actions to correct injustices, showcasing the courage it takes to stand up against wrongdoing, despite the personal risks involved.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to take a stand on issues they believe in, reinforcing the idea that their actions can create positive change.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Throughout the challenges she faces, Willa learns to adapt and persist, a key aspect of her character development.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks, preparing them for the inevitable obstacles in life.