The Silver Kiss
on Goodreads (18,640)
What’s inside...
Zoe is wary when, in the dead of night, the beautiful yet frightening Simon comes to her house. Simon seems to understand the pain of loneliness and death and Zoe's brooding thoughts of her dying mother. Simon is one of the undead, a vampire, seeking revenge for the gruesome death of his mother three hundred years before. Does Simon dare ask Zoe to help free him from this lifeless chase and its insufferable loneliness?
Age
11-12
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Zoë Sutcliff
Simon
Christopher
Discussion points
How do you think Zoe's feelings toward Simon changed throughout the story, and why?
What do you think the silver kiss symbolizes in the relationship between Zoe and Simon?
Can you describe a moment in the book where you felt really hopeful or really sad? What made you feel that way?
What do you think Zoe learned from her experiences with Simon?
How do you think dealing with the loss of her mother influenced Zoe's actions and decisions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' decisions, and relate those scenarios to their own experiences.
Discuss the significance of trust and misunderstanding, which are central themes in the book, and ask how these themes play out in their own lives.
Invite your child to talk about the concept of mortality and loss presented in the book, and share personal thoughts or experiences to deepen the connection.
Use comparisons between Zoe's fictional experiences and real-world situations to help your child understand and relate to the themes in a practical way.
Highlight the elements of courage and friendship in the story, encouraging your child to share stories of when they have seen or experienced similar virtues.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with Loss
Explanation: The protagonist, Zoe, deals with the impending death of her mother, which teaches readers about grief and loss.
Real-World Application: Young readers can learn to process and express their feelings about loss, whether it’s a family member, friend, or pet.
Example Lesson: The value of companionship
Explanation: Zoe's relationship with Simon, a vampire, helps her feel less isolated, highlighting the importance of connection.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of forming bonds and supporting one another during tough times.
Example Lesson: Understanding differences
Explanation: Through Simon’s backstory, readers explore themes of acceptance and understanding of those who are different.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open-minded and accepting towards people from different backgrounds and experiences.
Example Lesson: Personal Growth
Explanation: Throughout the book, Zoe evolves from feeling powerless to taking action, which showcases personal development.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to take initiative in their own lives and understand that they can make a difference.