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Wildcat Fireflies: A Meridian Novel

#2 in Fenestra Series

3.93
on Goodreads (1,993)

What’s inside...

Meridian Sozu is a Fenestrathe half-human, half-angel link between the living and the dead. She has the dark responsibility of helping souls transition safely into the afterlife. If people die without the help of a Fenestra, their souls are left vulnerable to be stolen by the Aternocti, a dark band of forces who disrupt the balance of good and evil in the world and cause chaos. Having recently lost her beloved Auntie, the woman who showed her what it meant to be a Fenestra, Meridian has hit the road with Tens, her love and sworn protector, in hopes of finding another Fenestra. Their search leads them to Indiana, where Juliet, a responsible and loving teenager, works tirelessly in the nursing home where she and several other foster kids are housed. Surrounded by death, Juliet struggles to make a loving home for the younger kids, and to protect them from the violent whims of their foster mother. But she is struggling against forces she can't understand and even as she feels a pull toward the dying, their sickness seems to infect her, weighing her down. Will Meri and Tens find Juliet in time to save her from a life of misery and illness? And will Meri and Tens' own romance weather the storms of new discoveries?
In series
Series reading

Sequential

Age

12-15

Length

528 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Meridian Sozu
Juliet
Tens

Discussion points

How do the characters in the book show courage and teamwork?
What would you do if you had abilities like Meridian? How would you use them?
Can you think of a time when you felt different like Meridian does? How did you handle it?
What do you think is the importance of friendship as shown in 'Wildcat Fireflies'?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in our hometown?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with those of the characters, fostering empathy and deeper understanding.
Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the characters to help your child develop problem-solving skills.
Use the book’s setting and plot as a starting point to explore new ideas and build creative thinking.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or continuation of the story to engage their creative thinking and storytelling skills.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The protagonist, Meridian, exhibits compassion and understanding towards others' feelings and experiences, encouraging young readers to consider perspectives beyond their own.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing kindness and understanding in their interactions with friends and family, helping to build stronger, empathetic relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: Throughout the novel, Meridian faces various challenges and learns to overcome her fears, serving as a role model for young readers to be brave when facing their own difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to tackle their personal challenges, like starting at a new school or standing up against bullying, with courage and determination.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Meridian works with others to navigate challenges, highlighting the advantages of cooperation and collective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of working together in group projects or sports, understanding that teamwork can lead to achieving great results.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Meridian takes on responsibilities throughout her journey, teaching readers about the importance of accountability and duty in one's actions.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by taking responsibility for their chores, homework, and actions towards others, fostering a sense of reliability and integrity.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Meridian's ability to adapt and persevere through hardships teaches resilience, aiming to inspire readers to not give up easily when confronted with obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to bounce back from setbacks, whether in academics, sports, or personal goals, cultivating a resilient mindset for future challenges.