Those Pink Mountain Nights
on Goodreads (645)
What’s inside...
In her remarkable second novel following her Governor General’s Award-winning debut, The Summer of Bitter and Sweet, Jen Ferguson writes about the hurt of a life stuck in past tense, the hum of connections that cannot be severed, and one week in a small, snowy town that changes everything. Overachievement isn’t a bad word—for Berlin, it’s the goal. She’s securing excellent grades, planning her future, and working a part-time job at Pink Mountain Pizza, a legendary local business. Who says she needs a best friend by her side? Dropping out of high school wasn’t smart—but it was necessary for Cameron. Since his cousin Kiki’s disappearance, it’s hard enough to find the funny side of life, especially when the whole town has forgotten Kiki. To them, she’s just another missing Native girl. People at school label Jessie a tease, a rich girl—and honestly, she’s both. But Jessie knows she contains multitudes. Maybe her new job crafting pizzas will give her the high-energy outlet she desperately wants. When the weekend at Pink Mountain Pizza takes several unexpected turns, all three teens will have to acknowledge the various ways they’ve been hurt—and how much they need each other to hold it all together. Jen Ferguson burst onto the YA scene with her first novel, which was a William C. Morris Award Finalist and a Stonewall Award Honor Book, and this second novel fulfills her promise as one of the most thoughtful and exciting YA writers today.
Age
13-17
Length
352 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think is the biggest adventure the characters went on, and why do you feel it was the biggest?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
What are some ways the characters showed courage or kindness?
If you were in the story, what would you have done differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading more interactive and entertaining for your child.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at crucial plot points to keep them engaged and thinking critically about the story.
After reading, connect themes from the book to your child’s personal experiences, which helps in developing empathy and deeper understanding.
Encourage your child to draw a scene from the book or to write a short letter to their favorite character, enhancing their connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The story showcases how the characters support and look out for each other during their adventures in the pink mountains.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of helping and being there for friends in their daily interactions at school or in the playground.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Characters in the book face various challenges and learn to overcome their fears with bravery and determination.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to tackle their own fears, whether it's trying out for a school play or standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature
Explanation: The vibrant descriptions and adventures in the pink mountains instill a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world.
Real-World Application: This can lead to children participating in outdoor activities and environmental conservation efforts.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: The magical element of the pink mountains emphasizes the creativity of the characters and the limitless possibilities of imaginative play.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to use their imagination in play, storytelling, or art, enhancing their creative skills.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: As the characters face unexpected challenges, they learn to adapt and persevere, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain persistent and resilient in difficult situations in school or at home.