The Cannibals
on Goodreads (94)
What’s inside...
In her journal, Tiffany Spratt, the superficial head of the cheerleading group called the Cannibals, chronicles her senior year in high school. Filled with excitement and turmoil, Tiffany navigates the challenges and triumphs of her final year, all while maintaining her cheerleader image and striving for fame. Throughout the book, Tiffany reveals her thoughts and experiences, showcasing both the glamorous and difficult parts of her life. The narrative includes moments of triumph, tears, and even health and beauty tips, providing an entertaining and insightful look into Tiffany's life so far.
Age
12-17
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters' actions make you feel, and why?
What would you have done differently if you were in the same situation as the main character?
What did you learn about how people should treat each other from this story?
Why do you think the author chose the title 'The Cannibals' for this book?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in a different setting?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story and its characters without interrupting. This fosters a safe space for open conversation.
Relate the story's themes to real-life scenarios that your child might encounter, enhancing their understanding and empathy.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to delve deeper into their reasoning and perspective. This promotes critical thinking.
End your discussion with a positive note or a lesson, highlighting moral and ethical insights from the book.
Use expressive reading techniques like varying your tone and volume to make the story discussion lively and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through the characters and their interactions, the book teaches children to understand and empathize with others' feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to better relate to peers and adults by considering others' viewpoints and emotions in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The story highlights how the characters' decisions impact themselves and others, teaching accountability for one's actions.
Real-World Application: This can help children think more critically about the consequences before making choices, promoting more thoughtful and responsible behavior.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book often have to work together to solve problems, emphasizing cooperation and collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by engaging in collaborative activities at school or in play, learning to value and leverage collective efforts.
Example Lesson: Valuing Differences
Explanation: The narrative showcases a variety of characters with different backgrounds, demonstrating the strength in diversity.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to embrace and celebrate differences in their classmates and community, fostering inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Through the challenges faced by the characters, the book teaches the importance of perseverance and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to persist through their own challenges, whether they are academic, social, or personal, building tenacity and strength of character.