Instant Karma
#1 in Instant Karma Series
on Goodreads (23,400)
What’s inside...
Chronic overachiever Prudence Barnett is always quick to cast judgment on the lazy, rude, and arrogant residents of her coastal town. Her dreams of karmic justice are fulfilled when, after a night out with her friends, she wakes up with the sudden ability to cast instant karma on those around her. Pru giddily makes use of the power, punishing everyone from public vandals to mean gossips, but there is one person on whom her powers consistently backfire: Quint Erickson, her slacker of a lab partner. Quint is annoyingly cute and impressively noble, especially when it comes to his work with the rescue center for local sea animals. When Pru resigns herself to working at the rescue center for extra credit, she begins to uncover truths about baby otters, environmental upheaval, and romantic crossed signals—not necessarily in that order. Her newfound karmic insights reveal how thin the line is between virtue and vanity, generosity and greed, love and hate . . . and fate.
Character compass
Prudence Barnett
Quint Erickson
Discussion points
What are some ways Prudence could have handled her frustrations differently?
How does the concept of karma play a role in the characters’ decisions and actions?
Can you think of a time when you had to work with someone you found challenging? How did you handle it?
Why do you think Prudence's attitude changes throughout the story?
How do the ocean and its creatures influence the story and the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the transformation of Prudence's character from the beginning to the end of the book to discuss personal growth and change with your child.
Discuss the consequences of the characters' actions in the story to teach lessons about responsibility and karma.
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences with teamwork and collaboration, mirroring Prudence’s project.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of empathy and understanding in resolving conflicts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Instant Karma', the protagonist, Prudence, initially judges her peers harshly but learns to understand and empathize with their circumstances and viewpoints as the story progresses.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of putting themselves in others' shoes, fostering a more compassionate and inclusive attitude towards classmates and friends.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The story explores the concept of karma, showcasing how Prudence's actions have immediate consequences, influencing her to make more thoughtful decisions.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that their actions impact others, encouraging them to think before they act and promoting responsible behavior.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Prudence learns that working with others, even those she initially dislikes, can lead to better outcomes and solutions to problems.
Real-World Application: Children are taught the importance of collaboration, highlighting that teamwork can lead to success in school projects, sports, and other group activities.
Example Lesson: Personal growth and self-improvement
Explanation: As Prudence confronts her flaws and misconceptions, she grows into a more self-aware and mature individual.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to self-reflect and recognize areas for personal development, encouraging a journey of continuous learning and self-betterment.