#1 in A Girl Called Fearless Series
A Girl Called Fearless
on Goodreads (1,009)
What’s inside...
An Indie Next Pick!
Avie Reveare has the normal life of a privileged teen growing up in L.A., at least as normal as any girl's life is these days. After a synthetic hormone in beef killed fifty million American women ten years ago, only young girls, old women, men, and boys are left to pick up the pieces. The death threat is past, but fathers still fear for their daughters' safety, and the Paternalist Movement, begun to "protect" young women, is taking over the choices they make.
Like all her friends, Avie still mourns the loss of her mother, but she's also dreaming about college and love and what she'll make of her life. When her dad "contracts" her to marry a rich, older man to raise money to save his struggling company, her life suddenly narrows to two choices: Be trapped in a marriage with a controlling politician, or run. Her lifelong friend, student revolutionary Yates, urges her to run to freedom across the border to Canada. As their friendship turns to passion, the decision to leave becomes harder and harder. Running away is incredibly dangerous, and it's possible Avie will never see Yates again. But staying could mean death.
From Catherine Linka comes this romantic, thought-provoking, and frighteningly real story, A Girl Called Fearless, about fighting for the most important things in life—freedom and love.
Discussion points
How do you think Avie felt when she had to make choices about her future? What would you do in her situation?
Why is it important to stand up for what you believe in, like Avie does in the story?
Can you think of a time when you had to be brave, like Avie? What happened and how did you feel?
How do the relationships Avie has with her friends and other characters influence her decisions and actions throughout the book?
What changes would you like to see in the world, and how could you contribute to making those changes, inspired by Avie’s journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s themes, focusing on bravery and making choices. Relate the discussions to their personal experiences and aspirations. As you explore Avie’s story together, emphasize the importance of personal values and standing up for oneself.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist of 'A Girl Called Fearless' navigates a dystopian society with bravery, making difficult decisions to protect herself and others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of standing up for themselves and others, even when it's challenging, and the value of bravery in everyday situations like tackling new tasks at school or resolving conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: The importance of self-identity and independence
Explanation: Throughout the book, the main character embarks on a journey of self-discovery, asserting her independence in a controlled society.
Real-World Application: This narrative can encourage children to explore and embrace their own identities, teaching them to appreciate their unique qualities and think independently in their decisions.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship and trust
Explanation: As the story unfolds, the protagonist relies on the strength of friendships to overcome obstacles, illustrating the value of trust and cooperation.
Real-World Application: This can highlight for children the importance of building trustful relationships and cooperating with peers, which is beneficial in group activities and team projects at school.