The Weight of Blood
on Goodreads (29,665)
What’s inside...
In Tiffany D. Jackson's YA novel, biracial teenager Madison Washington faces the horror of racial tensions and hidden truths as her Georgia high school hosts its first integrated prom. After a viral video exposes the school's racist past, student leaders plan the prom to promote unity. Maddy's secret of passing as white, enforced by her white father, is revealed, leading to her invitation to the prom by the class president's Black boyfriend. However, the night takes a deadly turn, and all fingers point to Maddy. With more secrets yet to uncover, the night becomes a fight for survival, reflecting America's deep-seated racism.
Age
15-18
Length
432 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Madison 'Maddy' Washington
Wendy
Kenny
Mr. Washington
Jules
Discussion points
What emotions did you feel while reading about the main character's journey?
How do you think the main character's background influenced their decisions?
What do you think is the importance of understanding our heritage and roots?
Can you think of a time when you faced a difficult decision like the protagonist? What did you do?
How does the story help us appreciate the strength it takes to confront the past?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book openly, affirming that all emotions are valid.
Draw connections between the book and your child’s personal experiences to make the themes more relatable.
Discuss the historical and cultural elements within the story to broaden your child’s understanding of different backgrounds.
Use examples from the book to explore the concept of moral courage and doing what's right.
Promote empathy by asking how they would feel in the characters’ situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family and support
Explanation: The story portrays the protagonist navigating through challenges with the help of family ties and support systems.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate and seek support from their family and friends during difficult times, understanding the strength in unity and togetherness.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The main character demonstrates perseverance and resilience despite the obstacles faced.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence and courage when faced with challenges, fostering a never-give-up attitude in their personal growth and academics.
Example Lesson: Understanding and embracing differences
Explanation: The book explores themes of diversity and acceptance among characters of different backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate diversity in their communities, promoting inclusiveness and empathy towards others no matter their background.
Example Lesson: The power of truth and honesty
Explanation: The narrative highlights the consequences of deceit and the liberation that honesty can bring.
Real-World Application: Emphasizes to children the importance of being truthful and the positive outcomes of honest communication in fostering trusting relationships.
Example Lesson: Justice and moral integrity
Explanation: Characters in the book face moral dilemmas that test their integrity, highlighting the importance of doing what is right.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to uphold justice and ethical values in their own actions, helping them make morally sound decisions.