Scout's Honor
on Goodreads (1,130)
What’s inside...
Prudence Perry is a third-generation Ladybird Scout who must battle literal (and figurative) monsters and the weight of her legacy in this YA paranormal. Sixteen-year-old Prudence Perry is a legacy Ladybird Scout, born to a family of hunters sworn to protect humans from mulligrubs—interdimensional parasites who feast on human emotions like sadness and anger. Masquerading as a prim and proper ladies' social organization, the Ladybirds brew poisons masked as teas and use knitting needles as daggers, at least until they graduate to axes and swords. Three years ago, Prue’s best friend was killed during a hunt, so she kissed the Scouts goodbye, preferring the company of her punkish friends lovingly dubbed the Criminal Element much to her mother and Tía Lo’s disappointment. However, unable to move on from her guilt and trauma, Prue devises a risky plan to infiltrate the Ladybirds in order to swipe the Tea of Forgetting, a restricted tincture laced with a powerful amnesia spell. But old monster-slaying habits die hard and Prue finds herself falling back into the fold, growing close with the junior scouts that she trains to fight the creatures she can’t face. When her town is hit with a mysterious wave of demons, Prue knows it’s time to confront the most powerful monster of all: her past.
Age
14-18
Length
416 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Scout learned from her adventure?
How did Scout show bravery and kindness throughout the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in Scout’s position?
How do you think Scout felt when she faced challenges?
What can we learn from the characters about helping others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Scout's journey. Ask them to relate personal experiences where they showed bravery like Scout. Discuss the importance of kindness and helping others, drawing parallels to situations in the book and in their own lives. Use praise to reinforce their thoughts and keep them engaged in the conversation. Lastly, personalize the story by imagining together how they would interact with the book's characters in real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Honesty
Explanation: In 'Scout's Honor', the protagonist, Scout, learns the importance of being truthful after facing consequences for telling a lie.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the value of honesty in building trust with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Throughout the book, Scout faces challenging situations that require bravery. This highlights the importance of facing fears and standing up for what is right.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be courageous in their everyday life, whether it's trying new activities or standing up against wrongdoing.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Scout is given tasks that require taking responsibility. The character's journey showcases the significance of fulfilling duties and being accountable for actions.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to take responsibility for their chores, homework, and actions towards others, understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and their community.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story portrays Scout learning to understand and share the feelings of others. This is demonstrated through interactions with friends who face different challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by being considerate and supportive of their peers' feelings and perspectives, helping to foster a supportive and understanding environment.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Scout encounters setbacks in the story but continues to strive towards goals. This teaches the importance of perseverance even in the face of obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to persist through difficulties in schoolwork or personal goals, emphasizing the importance of not giving up.