Solitaire
#1 of 1 in Solitaire Series
on Goodreads (133,933)
What’s inside...
The novel follows Tori Spring, a teenager who likes to sleep and blog. Last year, Tori had friends and life was different, but things have changed. Now, she is dealing with a mysterious group called Solitaire and a boy named Michael Holden, neither of which she cares about. As she navigates the challenges of A-Levels, university applications, and social interactions, Tori's story is a candid exploration of growing up and finding oneself. This debut novel by Alice Oseman is a must-read for fans of authentic young adult fiction.
Discussion points
What do you think made the main character feel the way they did in the story?
Can you imagine a different ending to the book? What would it be and why?
How did the relationships between the characters change throughout the book?
What are some of the choices the characters made? Would you have made the same ones?
What is the most important lesson you learned from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to encourage deeper thinking and conversation.
Relate themes or situations in the book to the child's own experiences to make the discussion more personal and meaningful.
Ask the child to draw a scene or a character from the book, then use this as a prop to discuss their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Encourage the child to ask their own questions about the book and express their opinions, fostering a two-way dialog.
Finish your reading session by guessing what might happen next if the story continued, allowing the child to use imagination and predictive skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: In the book, the character faces various challenges and setbacks but continues to strive towards their goals, showing resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by not giving up when they face difficulties in school or in learning new skills, understanding that persistence is key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The protagonist relies on friends for support and assistance throughout the story, highlighting how friendships can provide emotional strength and practical help.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture their friendships, understanding that being a good friend and having reliable friends is important for emotional well-being and accomplishing shared goals.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: Characters in the book often encounter situations where they need to understand and empathize with others' feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be considerate and empathetic towards their peers, which can help them build stronger relationships and become more compassionate individuals.