The Girl I Used to Be
on Goodreads (11,339)
What’s inside...
Fourteen years ago, a three-year-old girl named Olivia was the sole survivor of a horrific murder scene where her mother was killed and her father disappeared. Everyone suspected her father was the perpetrator. However, new evidence has recently emerged proving that Olivia's father was also murdered on the same day. With a killer still at large, Olivia is determined to uncover the truth, but the killer is equally determined to stop her. Olivia must solve this mystery before the killer finds her.
Age
12-18
Length
230 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Olivia Reinhart (Ariel Benson)
Duncan Bloom
Discussion points
How do you think Olivia felt when she was trying to solve the mystery of her past? What would you do in her situation?
Olivia encounters many challenges throughout the book. Can you name one and discuss how she handled it?
The theme of identity is central to this book. What parts of the story helped Olivia figure out who she really is?
How do the different settings in the story affect the characters and the plot?
What did you learn about trust and relationships from the interactions between the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Address the complexity of emotions portrayed in the book, highlighting how Olivia navigates her feelings throughout her journey.
Discuss the concept of resilience by exploring how Olivia responds to adversity and uncertainty.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to consider each character's perspectives and motivations.
Highlight the importance of piecing together information to solve mysteries, relating it to critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Connect the story to real-life situations, discussing how lessons learned from the book can apply to personal experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist demonstrates immense bravery and resilience as she seeks to uncover the truth about her past despite numerous challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and courage when facing difficult situations in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: Through her journey, the main character utilizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills to unravel the mystery surrounding her family.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach problems thoughtfully and creatively, enhancing their analytical skills.
Example Lesson: The significance of identity
Explanation: The story explores themes of self-discovery and the importance of understanding one's past to shape their identity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their own histories and the elements that contribute to their unique identities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the heroine encounters different perspectives and challenges, she grows in empathy and understanding towards others.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of considering diverse perspectives and being empathetic in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Justice and integrity
Explanation: The pursuit of truth and justice is a central theme, highlighting the importance of integrity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of standing up for what is right and striving for fairness in their everyday dealings.