The Grace Year
on Goodreads (197,925)
What’s inside...
In Garner County, sixteen-year-old girls are banished to the wild for their 'grace year' to release their magic before marriage. Tierney James, who dreams of a society without rivalry among women, faces the brutal reality of her grace year, realizing that the greatest threat may come from the other girls themselves. The Grace Year explores the complicated relationships and tough choices faced by girls on the brink of womanhood.
Age
14-18
Length
416 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Tierney James
Gertie
Michael
Ryker
Kiersten
Discussion points
How do you think the protagonist felt during her Grace Year? Can you relate to her emotions?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as the characters in the book?
What do you think the author wanted us to learn from the story?
Did any part of the book change your thoughts about friendship or trust? Why?
How do you think the story would be different if it was set in today's world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s events, relating it to their own experiences whenever possible.
Discuss the consequences of the characters' decisions and actions, emphasizing moral values and critical thinking.
Use examples from the book to talk about challenging societal norms, inspiring your child to think deeply about their own surroundings.
Create a comfortable environment where your child feels safe to express their opinions and thoughts about sensitive or controversial topics covered in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of independence and self-discovery
Explanation: In 'The Grace Year,' the protagonist, Tierney, navigates a treacherous world where girls are sent away for their 'grace year' to rid themselves of magic. Through this journey, Tierney learns to rely on her instincts and discover her true self away from societal expectations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the significance of trusting themselves and exploring their individual identities, equipping them to make autonomous decisions and resist peer pressure in real-world scenarios.
Example Lesson: The value of solidarity and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, the girls in the grace year face numerous external threats. The story demonstrates how working together and supporting one another proves crucial for survival.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to value cooperation and support in group tasks and friendships, understanding that collective effort can often overcome challenges that seem insurmountable individually.
Example Lesson: Challenging societal norms and injustice
Explanation: Tierney's experiences in 'The Grace Year' highlight the oppressive nature of societal rules imposed on the girls. Her questioning and resistance pave the way for change.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to question unfair rules and stand up against injustice, learning to advocate for equitable treatment and contribute to societal improvement.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: As Tierney withstands both physical and emotional challenges during her grace year, her resilience is a central theme. Her determination to survive and challenge the status quo shows the power of resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance and mental strength, aiding them in overcoming obstacles and emerging stronger from difficult situations.
Example Lesson: The impact of compassion and empathy
Explanation: In a world filled with fear and mistrust, acts of kindness and understanding in 'The Grace Year' illustrate the transformative impact of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being compassionate towards others, realizing how empathy can bridge divides and foster a supportive community.