Winner Take All
Hardy Boys Series
on Goodreads (1,200)
What’s inside...
Nell Becker, a competitive student who strives to win in everything, finds herself entangled in a whirlwind romance with Jackson Hart, the rich and popular king of Cedar Woods Prep Academy. Despite their rivalry, Nell and Jackson are drawn to each other, but their relationship is overshadowed by a devastating secret that reveals it as a manipulative game. Laurie Devore's 'Winner Take All' explores themes of obsessive love, toxic competition, and the drive for perfection, offering a critical look at the pressures faced by teens striving to succeed.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
17-18
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Nell Becker
Jackson Hart
Discussion points
How do you think Nell's actions reflect her feelings towards competition and success?
What can we learn from Jackson's experiences and the choices he makes?
Do you think it's important to always try to be the best? Why or why not?
How do the characters change throughout the story, and what causes these changes?
In what ways do you think friendship is portrayed in the book? How important is trust in these relationships?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes, such as competition and personal integrity, to model open communication. Encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings about the story, validating their viewpoints to foster a supportive conversation environment. Utilize follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child’s thoughts, asking them how they might handle similar situations as the characters. Connect the book’s scenarios with real-life situations to make the discussion more relatable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The consequences of extreme competitiveness
Explanation: The protagonist, Nell, displays a relentless pursuit of perfection and winning, which leads to personal struggles and strained relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of balance and understanding that relentless competition can harm personal well-being and friendships.
Example Lesson: The impact of social pressure and expectations
Explanation: Nell faces intense pressure from her family and peers to succeed, which teaches about the stress caused by outside expectations.
Real-World Application: This can help children navigate their own experiences with peer pressure and teach them to value their own standards and mental health over external expectations.
Example Lesson: Understanding honesty and integrity
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nell's journey includes moments where she must decide between easy victories and doing what's right, highlighting the importance of integrity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to prioritize honesty and moral values even when faced with challenging decisions, fostering a strong ethical foundation.
Example Lesson: The value of self-reflection and personal growth
Explanation: The character development of Nell showcases her self-reflection and eventual understanding of her flaws and strengths, contributing to her growth.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to engage in self-reflection to understand themselves better and work towards personal improvement.
Example Lesson: The importance of supportive relationships
Explanation: Nell's interactions with other characters reveal how support and understanding from others are crucial in overcoming personal challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and foster supportive relationships, understanding that teamwork and empathy are keys to personal and collective success.