Iced Out
#3 in Leighton U Series
What’s inside...
Iced Out is the first book in a college sports romance series that follows the tumultuous relationship between two rival hockey teammates, Quinton de Haas and the black sheep. Their intense animosity and constant bickering evolve into a series of secret hook-ups, which they believe help them secure victories on the ice. As superstition grows, they continue their liaisons for the team's sake, navigating the complexities of love, rivalry, and sportsmanship in a steamy, snarky narrative. The book is intended for mature audiences, recommended for readers 18 and older. Wilfred Walrus and Neville Narwhal face challenges as the only non-seal children in Miss Blubber’s class. Their struggles with being different and not liking each other change when Betty Beluga joins the class. Betty's friendship and prowess in football help them see that being different can be a positive thing. This warm, funny story, enhanced by Isabella Bunnell’s watercolour illustrations, offers a message about friendship and fitting in for school-aged children.
Discussion points
What did you think about Wilfred's journey to find friends and fit in at Snowville?
How did Cindy's actions make a difference in how others perceived Wilfred?
In what ways did the characters in the story show kindness or bravery?
What would you have done if you were in Wilfred's situation?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in a warm place instead of a cold one like Snowville?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book to create a comfortable environment for open discussion. Highlight specific scenes or behaviors exhibited by characters to guide the child’s understanding of the themes. Ask your child to relate situations in the book with their own experiences to deepen their connection and understanding of the characters’ emotions. Encourage them to imagine alternative endings or different scenarios to foster creativity and empathy. Praise their insights and thoughts to build confidence in expressing themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and inclusivity
Explanation: In 'Iced Out,' the protagonist overcomes challenges and learns the importance of including everyone, no matter their differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing diversity among their peers and learning to appreciate what makes everyone unique, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in playgroups.
Example Lesson: The significance of resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The story highlights how the main character faces setbacks but continues to strive towards their goals, showcasing the power of not giving up.
Real-World Application: Kids can mirror this behavior by not being discouraged by difficulties in learning new skills or solving problems, and persistently working towards overcoming them.
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing emotions
Explanation: Throughout 'Iced Out,' characters express a range of emotions which are discussed and managed effectively, teaching emotional intelligence.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to express their own emotions constructively and understand others’ feelings, aiding in better emotional regulation within family and school settings.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Characters in the book face consequences for dishonesty, eventually learning that honesty leads to better outcomes and stronger relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied to a child's life by encouraging them to be truthful in their interactions, helping them to build trust and integrity.
Example Lesson: Courage to be oneself
Explanation: The characters in 'Iced Out' learn to embrace their true selves despite peer pressure, emphasizing self-acceptance and authenticity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their unique qualities and feel confident in expressing their true selves, reducing peer conformity.