Blizzard
The Heights Series
on Goodreads (35)
What’s inside...
These two dramatic stories explore the complexities of love, from a girl's perspective and from a boy's. The vacillations between passion and exhilaration, the possessiveness and hurt, are handled with Westall's usual sensitivity and honesty. First edition hardcover with unclipped dust jacket, in very good condition. Light shelf wear to the jacket, and page block and page edges are tanned. Pages and text are otherwise clear and unmarked throughout.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What emotions did you feel when reading about the blizzard? How do you think you would have reacted if you were there?
Why do you think the characters made the decisions they did during the blizzard?
What can we learn from the way the community came together in the story?
How did the setting of the blizzard affect the story's outcome? Would it be different if it was set in another environment?
What is the main message or lesson of 'Blizzard' and how can you apply it to your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and ask how they might feel or act differently than the characters.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and community as seen in the book, relating it to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Highlight the problem-solving aspects of the story, and ask your child about times they had to solve a tough problem and what they learned from it.
Talk about the setting and weather in the book. This can lead into a conversation about different climates and geographical features around the world.
Ask your child to summarize the book’s main message in their own words, reinforcing their understanding and ability to communicate key ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: In 'Blizzard', the protagonist demonstrates resilience by navigating through a severe snowstorm to achieve their goal.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and determination when facing difficult situations in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of preparedness
Explanation: The story illustrates how being prepared for unexpected events, like a blizzard, can significantly impact one's ability to cope and succeed.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of planning ahead and being ready for unforeseen circumstances in day-to-day activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and helping others
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters help each other survive the harsh conditions, showcasing acts of kindness and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to help others in need and work together, fostering a sense of community and empathy in real life.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: As characters confront the dangers of the blizzard, they learn to overcome their fears, demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of facing their own fears and the growth that comes from stepping out of their comfort zones.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: The sudden blizzard forces characters to adapt quickly to a new and challenging environment, teaching flexibility.
Real-World Application: It inspires children to remain flexible and adaptable when changes occur in their surroundings or routine.