Tradition
on Goodreads (2,106)
What’s inside...
Prestigious. Powerful. Privileged. This is Fullbrook Academy, an elite prep school where history looms in the leafy branches over its brick walkways. But some traditions upheld in its hallowed halls are profoundly dangerous. Jules Devereux just wants to keep her head down, avoid distractions, and get into the right college, so she can leave Fullbrook and its old-boy social codes behind. She wants freedom, but ex-boyfriends and ex-best friends are determined to keep her in place. Jamie Baxter feels like an imposter at Fullbrook, but the hockey scholarship that got him in has given him a chance to escape his past and fulfill the dreams of his parents and coaches, whose mantra rings in his ears: Don’t disappoint us. When Jamie and Jules meet, they recognize in each other a similar instinct for survival, but at a school where girls in the student handbook are rated by their looks, athletes stack hockey pucks in dorm room windows like notches on a bedpost, and school-sponsored dances push first year girls out into the night with senior boys, the stakes for safe sex, real love, and true friendship couldn’t be higher. As Jules and Jamie’s lives intertwine, and the pressures to play by the rules and remain silent about the school’s secrets intensify, they see Fullbrook for what it really is. That tradition, a word Fullbrook hides behind, can be ugly, even violent. Ultimately, Jules and Jamie are faced with the difficult question: can they stand together against classmates—and an institution—who believe they can do no wrong?
Age
13-14
Length
342 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jules Devereux
Jamie Baxter
Discussion points
How do the characters in 'Tradition' show courage and resilience in challenging situations?
What do you think are some important lessons that the characters learn about friendship and respect?
In what ways do the characters in the book challenge or conform to the traditions they encounter?
How do you think the story would be different if it was set in a different school or community?
What steps can you take in your own life to stand up against unfair traditions or rules?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book and its themes to build a comfortable discussion environment.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and its characters, emphasizing that there are no right or wrong answers.
Highlight the growth of characters throughout the book to discuss changes and development with your child, relating it to their personal experiences if possible.
Discuss the impact of setting and school culture portrayed in the book, asking your child how their own school might be similar or different.
Focus on actionable messages from the book, prompting your child to think about how they can apply the characters' experiences or lessons to their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and respecting diversity
Explanation: In 'Tradition,' the narrative delves into the lives of two protagonists from very different backgrounds. Through their experiences and interactions, the book highlights the importance of understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds and identities.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing inclusivity and respect towards classmates who may come from different cultural or social backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Challenging societal norms and standing against peer pressure
Explanation: The characters in the book often confront and challenge toxic traditions and societal norms prevalent in their elite boarding school. This aspect of the story encourages questioning wrongful practices and beliefs upheld by peer groups.
Real-World Application: In real life, this lesson equips children to resist peer pressure and advocate for what is right, be it in school settings or within their social circles.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: As the protagonists come together to address and overcome the challenges posed by their school’s outdated traditions, the book showcases how teamwork can lead to significant positive changes.
Real-World Application: Children learn to work collaboratively with others to solve problems or work on group projects effectively, understanding that collective effort can lead to greater achievements.
Example Lesson: Empathy and support for victims of injustice
Explanation: Through its sensitive portrayal of characters who are victims of social injustices, 'Tradition' teaches the reader the importance of empathy and providing support to those who have been wronged.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be empathetic towards their peers and offer support to those who are treated unfairly, fostering a supportive and understanding community environment.