Tales From Foster High
#1 of 4 in Tales From Foster High Series
on Goodreads (826)
What’s inside...
Tales From Foster High is a young adult series by John Goode that follows the lives of two gay teenagers, Kyle Stilleno and Brad Greymark, in the conservative town of Foster, Texas. The series tackles issues such as coming out, bullying, homophobia, self-acceptance, and the struggles of growing up gay in a small town. Through their journey, Kyle and Brad face numerous challenges but also find love and support in each other. The books are known for their emotional depth, humor, and realistic portrayal of the high school experience for LGBTQ+ youth.
Character compass
Kyle Stilleno
Jennifer
Brad Greymark
Discussion points
How do you think Kyle and Brad's experiences at high school compare to yours?
What do you think about how the characters handle challenges? Can you think of a time when you faced something difficult?
How do the friendships in the book compare to your friendships? What makes a good friend in your eyes?
What have you learned about how people can support each other during difficult times from reading this book?
What actions can we take to make our community more inclusive and supportive like some characters in the book try to do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes and ask your child to share their perspective. This exchange can lead to a deeper conversation.
Highlight the importance of empathy and understanding by discussing the feelings and motivations of different characters in the book.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the events in the book and their own life experiences. This can help them connect more deeply with the material.
Discuss the outcomes of characters’ choices in the book and relate them to real-life consequences, emphasizing the learning aspect.
Create an open and safe environment for your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s challenging aspects, reassuring them that it’s okay to have different emotions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story portrays the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth in a high school setting, allowing readers to step into the shoes of characters from different backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to foster inclusive attitudes and support their peers facing similar challenges, promoting a harmonious environment at school and in their community.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book navigate social and personal obstacles, showing perseverance and growth through difficult times.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance and maintaining a positive attitude during tough times, which is crucial for overcoming personal challenges in real life.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The book highlights the support characters receive from their friendships, underscoring the value of true friends during turbulent times.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture their friendships, understanding that being a supportive friend can have a significant positive impact on others' lives.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance and identity
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, characters struggle with their identities but ultimately learn to accept themselves for who they are.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace their unique identities and express themselves authentically, fostering self-confidence and individuality.
Example Lesson: Advocacy for oneself and others
Explanation: The protagonists in the story often stand up for their rights and the rights of others, demonstrating the power of self-advocacy and collective action.
Real-World Application: This empowers children to speak up for themselves and others, understanding the importance of activism in creating societal change.