Choker
on Goodreads (4,940)
What’s inside...
Sixteen-year-old Cara Lange has always been a loner, even more so since she moved away from her best and only friend, Zoe, a few years ago. Cara mostly spends her time avoiding the popular girls who call her 'choker' after a humiliating incident in the cafeteria, and watching Ethan Gray from a distance, wishing he would finally notice her.Then one day Cara comes home and finds Zoe waiting for her. Zoe's on the run from problems at home, and Cara agrees to help her hide. With Zoe back, Cara's life changes overnight. Zoe gives her a new look and new confidence, and before she can blink, Cara is flirting with Ethan and getting invited to parties. And best of all, she has her best friend to confide in again.But just as quickly as Cara's life came together, it starts to unravel. A girl goes missing in her town, and everyone is a suspect ∼ including Ethan. Worse still, Zoe starts behaving very strangely, and Cara begins to wonder what exactly her friend does all day when she's at school. You're supposed to be able to trust your best friend no matter what, but what if she turns into a total stranger?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-14
Length
233 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Cara to behave the way she did throughout the story?
How do you think Zoe’s appearance changed things for Cara? What does that say about friendship?
How did the characters' decisions impact their relationships? Can you think of any examples from your own experiences?
What do you think the author wants us to learn about trust and secrets from this story?
How does the resolution of the story make you feel about the characters? Would you have ended it differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' actions and the consequences that follow. Emphasize that it's okay to have differing opinions.
Discuss the dynamics of Cara and Zoe's friendship in the book. Ask your child about their thoughts on what makes a healthy vs. unhealthy friendship.
Relate the themes of the story to real-life situations your child may encounter, enhancing their empathy and understanding of the book.
Ask your child how they might have handled similar situations differently than the characters in the book, fostering critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Finish your discussion by asking your child what lessons they might take away from the story, emphasizing the moral and ethical implications.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'Choker,' the protagonist Cara deals with the consequences of not being truthful about her friend Zoe's actions and intentions. Her dishonesty leads to complicated situations, which illustrate how lies can spiral out of control.
Real-World Application: Children learn that honesty is integral in maintaining trust and building healthy relationships. It fosters an environment where problems can be addressed and solved more efficiently.
Example Lesson: Understanding the impact of peer pressure
Explanation: Cara's decisions are heavily influenced by her desire to fit in and be accepted by her peers, which sometimes leads her to compromise her values. This highlights the negative aspects of succumbing to peer pressure.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to value their own judgment and to stand firm in their beliefs, even when faced with pressure from others.
Example Lesson: The value of true friendship
Explanation: As the story unfolds, Cara learns to distinguish between superficial relationships and true, supportive friendships. This realization comes when she observes the difference in how true friends treat each other.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by choosing friends who genuinely care and support them, encouraging them to develop meaningful and supportive relationships.
Example Lesson: Dealing with loneliness and isolation
Explanation: Cara’s feelings of loneliness throughout the book show how isolation can affect one’s mental health and decision-making. Her journey reflects the importance of seeking companionship and support.
Real-World Application: This educates children on the importance of expressing their feelings and seeking social interactions, which are crucial for emotional development and well-being.