Snow Bound
not part of a series
What’s inside...
At fifteen, Tony Laporte is what many people would call a thoroughly spoiled kid. He gets away with a lot because his parents want him to have all the things they never had. But when they surprise him by refusing to let him keep a stray dog he has found, Tony decides to teach them a lesson by running off in his mother's old Plymouth. Driving without a license in the middle of a severe snowstorm, he picks up a hitchhiker named Cindy Reichert, an aloof girl who has always had difficulty forming friendships. To impress Cindy, Tony tries to show off his driving skills and ends up wrecking the car in a very desolated area far from the main highway. After spending precious days bickering with each other and waiting for rescue that never comes, they finally realize that their lives are at stake and they must cooperate to survive. The question is--can they survive?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-17
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Tony Laporte
Cindy Reichert
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they were trapped in the snow? What would you feel in their situation?
What were some of the challenges the characters faced, and how did they work together to overcome them?
What is the importance of hope and perseverance demonstrated in the story?
If you could give the characters one piece of advice, what would it be?
How can we apply the lessons from the book to our own lives, especially in difficult times?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, discuss with your child what they know about snow and survival stories to create a contextual foundation.
Pause at suspenseful or emotional moments to ask your child how they think a character is feeling or what they might do next.
After reading, compare the beginning of the book to the end and explore how each character grew or changed.
Encourage your child to express what they found surprising about the story and why.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life events or personal experiences to enhance understanding and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'Snow Bound', the characters demonstrate resilience by surviving a fierce snowstorm through teamwork and determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persevere and tackle challenges head-on, translating this resilience to overcoming personal obstacles in school or social settings.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The protagonists in 'Snow Bound' work together to find solutions and stay safe, showing that cooperation is key to overcoming difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of collaborating with others, whether in group projects at school or in playing sports.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face various challenges that require quick thinking and problem-solving abilities to navigate safely.
Real-World Application: Readers learn to apply critical thinking in their decision-making processes, useful for academic challenges and everyday dilemmas.
Example Lesson: Self-reliance and independence
Explanation: As the characters in the story fend for themselves in harsh conditions, they learn to rely on their own skills and judgments.
Real-World Application: This promotes independence in young readers, encouraging them to take initiative and trust in their capabilities.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The story illustrates the power and unpredictability of nature, teaching respect for the environment and the importance of being prepared.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of respecting nature and the necessity of being environmentally conscious and prepared for natural events.