The Secret of Ferrell Savage
What’s inside...
Middle school romance is hard enough, but cannibalism really gets in the way. This humorous look at first crushes and family secrets is sure to be devoured. Ferrell Savage is finally twelve, and finally eligible to compete in The Big Sled Race on Golden Hill—the perfect chance to impress Mary Vittles. Mary is Ferrell’s best friend—and maybe, someday, something more. Except the 'more' Ferrell first finds is more information about his family. It turns out that his great, great, great uncle had an encounter with Mary’s great, great grandfather. And the encounter was, well, let’s just say…edible. Sure, the circumstances were extreme, but some facts might just be romantically indigestible. At least now Ferrell understands why his family is vegan. But even as Ferrell and Mary encounter blackmail, a second sled race, and a particularly enticing bag of beef jerky, Ferrell realizes that he might still have a chance with Mary. If, that is, his family secret doesn’t eat them alive.
Age
8-12
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ferrell Savage
Mary
Discussion points
How did Ferrell’s secret change his relationships with others in the story? What can we learn from that?
What would you do if you were in Ferrell’s place and discovered a similar secret about yourself?
Can you think of a time when you had to keep a secret? How did it make you feel?
Why is it important for Ferrell to accept his uniqueness? How can we apply this lesson to our own lives?
What are some ways Ferrell could use his secret to help others? How can we use our own unique traits to help people around us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ask open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking and personal connection, rather than simple yes or no answers.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, fostering empathy and self-reflection.
Discuss the motivations and feelings of different characters, including why they might have acted in certain ways.
Highlight themes of uniqueness and acceptance in the book, and relate them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
Create a supportive and non-judgmental space for discussion, allowing your child to express their thoughts and feelings freely.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and embracing our own identity
Explanation: The protagonist, Ferrell Savage, grapples with his family heritage and a surprising genetic trait, encouraging readers to examine the importance of self-acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace their unique qualities and experiences, fostering a strong sense of self-esteem and identity.
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: Ferrell faces moments where he must choose honesty, despite the potential consequences, illustrating the importance of truthfulness.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of being truthful in their daily interactions and the long-term benefits of trustworthiness.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship and support
Explanation: Throughout the book, Ferrell relies on friendships to navigate challenges, showcasing the essential role of a supportive network.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture relationships, understanding that friendships provide emotional support and help overcome life's challenges.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Ferrell confronts personal fears and societal expectations, demonstrating the courage required to forge his own path.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of confronting their fears and the personal growth that can come from stepping out of their comfort zones.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: Ferrell learns to empathize with characters who initially seem different from him, promoting understanding and kindness.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to practice empathy in their everyday lives, leading to more inclusive and compassionate interactions.