The Luis Ortega Survival Club
on Goodreads (2,972)
What’s inside...
From the bestselling author of The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School comes a story about Ariana Ruiz, an autistic girl who struggles to be noticed until she meets Luis. After a questionable encounter at a party, Ari is thrust into a rumor-filled world and finds a note leading her to a group aiming to expose Luis as a predator. As Ari finds friendship and new feelings within the group, she must confront what happened that night and fight for justice. The story tackles serious topics with nuance, heart, and the possibility of healing, drawing parallels to John Tucker Must Die but with a focus on personal growth and justice.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-17
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make Luis Ortega a good leader?
How do the members of the Survival Club work together to overcome challenges?
What did you learn about teamwork and friendship from this story?
Can you think of a time when you had to solve a problem with your friends? How did it turn out?
What would you do if you were in Luis Ortega’s situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate the scenarios to your child’s personal experiences to make the conversation more relatable.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to deepen their understanding and creative thinking.
Ask your child to identify their favorite character and explain why, which will help in understanding their values and perspectives.
Use the discussion as an opportunity to teach the importance of cooperation and how it can be applied in their daily lives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: Characters in 'The Luis Ortega Survival Club' learn to collaborate and work together to overcome obstacles and challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working with others in group projects or sports, fostering a cooperative spirit that is valuable in school and social settings.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book presents scenarios where the characters must think critically and creatively to navigate their adventures.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to apply logical and innovative solutions to their own challenges, whether in academic tasks or personal situations.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Despite facing numerous setbacks, the club members persist and remain determined throughout the story.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence and resilience in facing their own difficulties, promoting a growth mindset.
Example Lesson: Leadership and responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist of the story often takes on a leadership role, guiding and supporting other club members.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take initiative and lead in group situations, understanding the responsibilities that come with leadership.