Ripped, a Jack the Ripper Time-Travel Thriller
on Goodreads (194)
What’s inside...
RIPPED received three Ben Franklin Awards at the 2013 Independent Book Publishers Association's Awards Ceremony in New York City, including Gold for The Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book, and two Silver awards for Best New Voice and Best Mystery/Suspense. The story follows Katie Lennox, an ordinary teen who suddenly finds herself transported from modern London to the year 1888, where she must stop Jack the Ripper. As Katie grapples with her new reality and the challenges of Victorian society, she must make difficult choices to try and save the Ripper's victims, while navigating the complexities of right and wrong in an unfamiliar world.
Age
13-17
Length
520 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Kitty's time-travel abilities impact her view of the past and present?
What can we learn about different cultures and societies from Kitty's experiences in the past?
How do the choices Kitty makes in her adventures influence the outcomes she encounters?
Why is it important to understand history, and how can it affect our decisions today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight parallels between the historical context in the book and current events to make the discussion more relevant.
Encourage your child to compare their own possible decisions in critical situations with those made by Kitty.
Discuss the significance of understanding differing perspectives from various time periods and how they shape our worldview.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding historical context
Explanation: The novel's time-travel aspect allows readers to explore the historical setting of Victorian London and the societal issues of that era.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate history and understand how past events shape our present society, encouraging them to explore more about different historical periods and their impact.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist's journey in solving mysteries encourages readers to think critically and piece together clues.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to approach problems methodically and think critically in their own lives, whether in academic challenges or personal dilemmas.
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and resilience
Explanation: Facing numerous challenges in a dangerous time, the main characters demonstrate bravery and persistence throughout the story.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to face their own fears and challenges with courage, and to persist in their endeavors despite difficulties.
Example Lesson: Understanding ethics and moral decision-making
Explanation: Characters in the book frequently face moral dilemmas, providing a platform for readers to reflect on ethics.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by evaluating their choices and actions based on ethical reasoning, helping them make responsible decisions in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: The value of scientific inquiry
Explanation: The use of forensic methods and logical deduction in the book highlights the significance of scientific approaches in solving mysteries.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be curious, ask questions, and rely on scientific methods to explore and understand the world around them.