Soul Enchilada
on Goodreads (887)
What’s inside...
Girl meets boy at a car wash. 'Dog,' she says. 'Dude,' he says. It could have been a sweet teen romance, but Beals, a supernatural repo man sitting next to her in the car, has other plans. He's there to repossess her car and possess her soul. David Macinnis Gill delivers a thrilling story with a twist of the supernatural and a side of soul. Repossession is 9/10ths of the law! Girl meets boy at a car wash. And probably this would have been a sweet teen romance . . . except that the girl's grandfather sold his soul for a classic Cadillac and he used her soul as collateral, too. Which the devil has come to collect, along with the car. Now eighteen-year-old Bug Smoot has to fight for both. Good thing she knows how to fight dirty. Good thing nothing frightens Bug not the repo man, not the paranormal creatures, not séances or driving too fast. And good thing that boy from the car wash is actually a supernatural secret agent. This is one helluva ride.
Age
13-14
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Eulogy 'Bug' Smoot
Pesto
Mr. Beals
Discussion points
How do you think Bug felt when faced with the challenge of losing her car and dealing with supernatural events? What would you do in her place?
What are some ways that Bug shows her strength and resilience throughout the story? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave?
How do the relationships between Bug, Pesto, and other characters develop throughout the book? What makes their friendships strong?
What lessons can we learn about facing our fears and standing up for what is right from 'Soul Enchilada'?
How does the author use humor to address serious issues in the story? Which parts did you find funny, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Bug’s shoes to foster empathy and understanding. Discuss different scenarios and their potential choices.
Highlight the themes of resilience and courage in the book. Ask your child about moments when they had to be brave and compare those experiences to Bug’s journey.
Discuss the importance of friendships and relationships illustrated in the book. Point out moments where the support of friends changes the outcome for Bug.
Explore the blend of humor and serious themes together. Laughing about the funny parts can be a gateway to discussing the more serious underlying messages.
Use examples from the book to talk about moral values, such as integrity and justice, and how these play out in everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist Bug Smoot learns to deal with the consequences of her own choices and actions when she has to save her car and her soul.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of being accountable for their decisions, understanding that every action has a consequence.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Bug displays immense courage against supernatural challenges, showing resilience even when faced with daunting odds.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face fears and challenges in their lives, encouraging them to stand up against obstacles.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the book, interactions between characters highlight the importance of understanding others' feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by recognizing the emotions of their peers or family members, fostering a nurturing environment of support.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Bug collaborates with others to solve her problems, showcasing that teamwork can often lead to better solutions.
Real-World Application: This lesson is valuable as it teaches children the importance of working together, respecting different opinions, and achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Facing supernatural elements, Bug and other characters often have to think outside the box to find solutions.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination and think creatively when solving problems, enhancing their problem-solving skills.