Victor and Nora: A Gotham Love Story
Victor and Nora: A Gotham Love Story Series
What’s inside...
New York Times bestselling author Lauren Myracle and artist Isaac Goodhart reunite in this gorgeous YA story about living life to the fullest, and how far one will go for love. Seventeen-year-old Victor Fries has a cold heart after his brother's tragic death, which he feels responsible for, leading him to dedicate his life to science. Nora Kumar, full of life but suffering from an incurable illness, plans to end her life on her birthday. When Victor and Nora meet at a cemetery, they find a deep connection and start a romance. As Victor's heart thaws, he learns of Nora's illness and becomes determined to find a solution to save her, by any means necessary. 'Victor & Nora: A Gotham Love Story' is a tragic tale about the essence of living and loving deeply.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
197 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Victor Fries
Nora
Discussion points
How do Victor and Nora's experiences with love and loss make you feel?
What can we learn about handling difficult emotions from the characters?
In what ways do the characters show bravery throughout the story?
How does the setting in Gotham influence the mood of the story?
What are some ways the characters could have supported each other better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, give a brief overview of the story to set the context.
While discussing the book, validate your child's feelings and thoughts about the characters and their situations.
Encourage your child to relate scenarios from the book to their personal experiences, fostering deeper connections.
Ask your child to predict future events or alternative endings based on the plot, enhancing their critical thinking.
After finishing the book, consider exploring more stories set in Gotham to compare and contrast themes and characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Dealing with Grief
Explanation: The story explores the theme of grief through the relationship between Victor and Nora, showing how each character deals with loss in different ways.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that grief is a natural response to loss and that there are various ways to cope with such feelings, helping them understand and manage their emotions during difficult times.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Empathy
Explanation: As Victor understands Nora’s condition and her emotions, the narrative emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in relationships.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be more perceptive and sensitive to the emotions and situations of others around them, fostering a more empathetic attitude in real-world interactions.
Example Lesson: Embracing Life’s Challenges
Explanation: Nora's determination to live life fully, despite her terminal illness, provides a powerful narrative on embracing life’s challenges and finding joy in every moment.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to accept and face challenges with a positive attitude, teaching resilience and the value of making the most out of every situation.
Example Lesson: Value of Support Systems
Explanation: The support Victor and Nora offer each other highlights the significance of having a supportive network during hard times.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of supporting others and seeking support when needed, emphasizing the role of family and friends as essential pillars during challenging times.
Example Lesson: Accepting Change
Explanation: The narrative deals with changes both characters go through, underlining the inevitability and often, the positive side of change.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to adapt to changes in life, understanding that change can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.