Bloodthirsty
on Goodreads (1,755)
What’s inside...
Some vampires are good. Some are evil. Some are faking it to get girls. Awkward and allergic to the sun, sixteen-year-old Finbar Frame never gets the girl. But when he notices that all the female students at his school are obsessed with a vampire romance novel called Bloodthirsty, Finbar decides to boldly go where no sane guy has gone before-he becomes a vampire, minus the whole blood sucking part. With his brooding nature and weirdly pale skin, it's surprisingly easy for Finbar to pretend to be paranormal. But, when he meets the one girl who just might like him for who he really is, he discovers that his life as a pseudo-vampire is more complicated than he expected. This hilarious debut novel is for anyone who believes that sometimes even nice guys-without sharp teeth or sparkly skin-- can get the girl.
Age
11-12
Length
234 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Finbar O'Connor
Kate
Luke O'Connor
Discussion points
How does Finbar’s transformation throughout the book mirror real-life adolescent changes?
What do you think Finbar learns about authenticity and being true to oneself?
How do the reactions of other characters to Finbar’s changes help us understand peer pressure?
In what ways can humor be used to deal with difficult situations, based on Finbar’s experiences?
What role do family dynamics play in shaping Finbar’s identity and actions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on how Finbar handles various situations, which can lead to discussions about self-identity and peer influence.
Discuss the importance of being genuine with examples from the book and relate them to real-life scenarios your child might face.
Use humor from the book to bridge conversations about handling difficult or awkward social situations.
Explore the family interactions in the story, prompting your child to reflect on how family support is portrayed and its importance.
Point out moments of change for Finbar and relate them to developmental stages in adolescence, fostering a deeper understanding of personal growth.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: The protagonist, Finbar, pretends to be a vampire to gain popularity, but learns the importance of being true to himself.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and express their unique qualities, building self-confidence and authenticity.
Example Lesson: Understanding Consequences
Explanation: Finbar's actions lead to various consequences, teaching him to think about the outcomes of his decisions.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to consider the effects of their actions on themselves and others, promoting responsible decision-making.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Facing Social Challenges
Explanation: Finbar deals with bullying and social isolation, yet he finds ways to cope and thrive.
Real-World Application: Children can learn strategies to handle social difficulties, improve their problem-solving skills, and develop perseverance.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: As Finbar's deception unfolds, the value of honesty comes to light, affecting his relationships and self-respect.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of honesty in maintaining trust and integrity in relationships, both personal and communal.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding Others
Explanation: Through his journey, Finbar learns to empathize with others who feel outcast or different.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more empathetic and inclusive, fostering a supportive community environment.