Vivian Vande Velde: Author of Fantasy Fiction (Authors Teens Love)
Authors teens love Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
A biography of American author Vivian Vande Velde, detailing her writing career and exploration of identity through characters that challenge the norm. The biography includes a personal interview with Vande Velde, who has written over thirty books for children and teenagers, and has won numerous awards for her work.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-17
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Vivian Vande Velde
Discussion points
What do you think motivates the characters in Vivian Vande Velde's stories to go on their adventures?
How do the choices the characters make affect their journeys and the outcome of the stories?
Can you relate to any of the characters or situations in the books? Why or why not?
What lessons do you think the author wants readers to learn from these stories?
If you could ask Vivian Vande Velde one question about her books, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the story by asking them how they might have handled certain situations differently than the characters.
Discuss the moral and ethical dilemmas presented in the books to help your child develop their own values and decision-making skills.
Connect the themes of the book to real-life situations or current events to make the discussion more relevant and engaging for your child.
Use examples from the book to teach empathy, highlighting how understanding different perspectives can lead to richer interpretations of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of creativity and imagination
Explanation: Vivian Vande Velde's fantasy fiction showcases characters who often solve problems through imaginative means, highlighting the power of creativity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think outside the box and use their imagination in problem-solving situations in school projects or personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of one's actions
Explanation: Characters in Velde's stories frequently face the consequences of their decisions, which teaches readers about responsibility and accountability.
Real-World Application: Helps children grasp the concept that their choices have impacts, teaching them to consider the outcomes before acting.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Protagonists in Velde’s books often encounter difficulties but triumph through determination, reinforcing the importance of not giving up in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to persist in their endeavors, whether that be in academics, sports, or personal goals, despite challenges.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: Velde’s fantasy worlds are populated with diverse characters, promoting messages of acceptance and the richness of diverse communities.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate and respect people who may be different from them, fostering an inclusive attitude.