The Revenge Playbook
on Goodreads (2,149)
What’s inside...
Don't get mad, get even! In this poignant and hilarious novel, Rachael Allen brilliantly explores the nuances of high school hierarchies, the traumas sustained on the path to finding true love, and the joy of discovering a friend where you least expect. In the small town of Ranburne, high school football rules and the players are treated like kings. How they treat the girls they go to school with? That's a completely different story. Liv, Peyton, Melanie Jane, and Ana each have their own reason for wanting to teach the team a lesson--but it's only when circumstances bring them together that they come up with the plan to steal the one thing the boys hold sacred. All they have to do is beat them at their own game.
Age
13-17
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Peyton
Dylan
Liv
Melanie
Discussion points
How do you think the girls in the book felt when they decided to team up against the injustices they faced? Have you ever felt the same way?
What are some ways the characters in the story could have resolved their conflicts differently? Can you think of alternative solutions?
Why do you think teamwork was important in the story? How does working together with others help solve problems in real life?
What did you learn about standing up for what you believe in from this book? How might you apply this in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts about the book’s themes and ask your child if they agree or see it differently, fostering an open dialogue.
Encourage your child to consider the perspectives of various characters, discussing how they might feel in similar situations, enhancing empathy skills.
Link discussions to real-life scenarios or current events that relate to the book's themes, making the conversation more relevant and engaging.
Celebrate your child’s responses and insights, even if they differ from your own, to encourage independent thinking and confidence in their own interpretations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The main characters in 'The Revenge Playbook' come together to stand up against unfair treatment in their high school, demonstrating how teamwork can lead to collective success.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to work cooperatively in group settings like in school projects or sports, understanding that combining strengths can achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Standing up against injustice
Explanation: The story showcases the importance of advocating for what is right and fighting against unjust systems, as the characters contest sexism and double standards in their school.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to speak up against unfair practices and learn to support fairness and equality in their daily interactions at school or in the community.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters face various obstacles but continue to persevere to reach their goals, exemplifying resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of not giving up when faced with difficulties, whether in academic, social, or personal settings.
Example Lesson: The power of individuality
Explanation: Each character in the book has unique traits that contribute to their collective effort, highlighting the strength that lies in individual differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and value their own uniqueness and see the diverse qualities of others as strengths rather than weaknesses.
Example Lesson: Ethics and moral choices
Explanation: The protagonists in 'The Revenge Playbook' often face moral dilemmas that challenge their values but ultimately guide them to make ethical decisions.
Real-World Application: This can teach children about the complexity of right and wrong and encourage them to think critically about ethical decision-making in their own lives.