Some Kind of Animal
on Goodreads (622)
What’s inside...
"Sharp and unyielding. I loved every page." --Rory Power, New York Times bestselling author of Wilder GirlsFor fans of Sadie comes a new story about two girls with a secret no one would ever believe, and the wild, desperate lengths they will go to protect each other from the outside world.Jo lives in the same Appalachian town where her mother disappeared fifteen years ago. Everyone knows what happened to Jo's mom. She was wild, and bad things happen to girls like that. Now people are starting to talk about Jo. She's barely passing her classes and falls asleep at her desk every day. She's following in her mom's footsteps.Jo does have a secret. It's not what people think, though. Not a boy or a drug habit. Jo has a twin sister.Jo's sister is not like most people. She lives in the woods--catches rabbits with her bare hands and eats them raw. Night after night, Jo slips out of her bedroom window and meets her sister in the trees. And together they run, fearlessly.The thing is, no one's ever seen Jo's sister. So when her twin attacks a boy from town, everyone assumes that it was Jo. Which means Jo has to decide--does she tell the world about her sister, or does she run?
Age
13-14
Length
384 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters' actions reflect their feelings or beliefs in the story?
What choices would you have made if you were in the main character's situation?
How do the characters grow or change throughout the book? What causes these changes?
What are some of the challenges the characters face and how do they overcome them?
How does the setting influence the story? Can you imagine this story taking place somewhere else?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book to set a reflective tone.
Encourage your child to relate the characters' experiences to their own life, fostering deeper personal connections with the narrative.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking and exploration of themes.
Praise your child for their insights, fostering an environment where they feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Relate the themes of the book to real-world events or issues to broaden the discussion and enhance understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The protagonist's journey highlights the importance of understanding others who may seem different from ourselves.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate diversity and practice empathy in their interactions with peers who may have different backgrounds or experiences.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters in the story face significant challenges but demonstrate perseverance and resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to tackle obstacles in their own lives with determination and not to be discouraged by setbacks.
Example Lesson: The significance of self-identity
Explanation: Throughout the book, themes of self-discovery encourage the reader to consider the importance of knowing oneself.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their own interests and talents, gaining confidence in their unique identities.
Example Lesson: The power of honesty
Explanation: Characters in the story learn that honesty with oneself and others is crucial for genuine relationships and inner peace.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of being truthful in their daily interactions and building trust with others.
Example Lesson: Courage to confront the truth
Explanation: The narrative propels characters to face challenging truths about their lives and relationships.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing difficult situations head-on, helping them deal with uncomfortable or challenging truths in their lives.