The Headmaster's List
on Goodreads (4,773)
What’s inside...
When fifteen-year-old Chris Moore is tragically killed in a car crash at Argyle Prep, questions arise about who was driving and who was at fault. Eighteen-year-old Spencer Sandoval struggles with fragmented memories of that night, unsure of her ex-boyfriend Ethan's involvement. Amidst a backdrop of an elite LA private school, rumors and secrets unfold, revealing a complex web of privilege and deception. Melissa de la Cruz's YA thriller delves into the lives of the honor roll students caught in a deadly mystery.
Discussion points
How did the characters' decisions impact their relationships with others in the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character's shoes?
How do you think the story would have changed if it was set in our hometown?
What lessons can we learn from the challenges faced by the characters?
How do the events in the book encourage us to be better friends or family members?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use real-life examples to connect the themes of the book with everyday scenarios your child might encounter.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings based on different character choices.
Ask your child to relate the characters' experiences with their own personal life to deepen understanding.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented in the book and explore the consequences of various actions.
Create a safe space for your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the events in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Characters in 'The Headmaster's List' face situations where they must choose to tell the truth or face consequences, highlighting honesty's value.
Real-World Application: Children learn that honesty builds trust and is essential in forming strong relationships in school and at home.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters encounter challenging tasks that they can only overcome through persistent efforts, demonstrating perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that persistence is key to success in their academic pursuits, personal goals, and managing everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: The book showcases characters solving problems better together than alone, thus underlining the effectiveness of teamwork.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to collaborate with others, fostering a sense of community and improving problem-solving skills during group activities or team sports.