Twelfth Grade Kills
#5 of 4 in The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod Series
on Goodreads (16,872)
What’s inside...
As a teenage vampire, Vlad has spent the last four years trying to handle the pressures of school while sidestepping a slayer out for his blood. Now he's a senior, and in this final, action-packed book in the series, Vlad must confront the secrets of the past, unravel the mystery of who he really is, make decisions about his future, and face his greatest enemy. It's a senior year that totally bites. It all comes down to this. Vlad’s running out of time. The Elysian Council has given him weeks to live, and that’s if the Slayer Society doesn’t kill him – along with all the citizens of Bathory – first. Then there’s the issue of Vlad’s father, who may or may not still be alive after all these years, and oh yeah, that tiny little detail in the Pravus prophecy about Vlad enslaving Vampirekind and the human race. So much for college applications. In this epic finale to Heather Brewer’s heart-stopping Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, dark secrets will be revealed, old friends will become enemies, and warm blood will run cold. Just be careful it isn’t yours.
Character compass
Vladimir Tod
Jodi Mcmillan
Henry Mcmillan
Vikas
Tomas Tod
Otis
Dorian
Discussion points
How do you think Vlad's struggles with identity and destiny reflect challenges you might face in your own life?
What are the pros and cons of the choices Vlad makes throughout the book? Can you relate to any of those decisions?
In what ways do the relationships in the book impact Vlad's journey? How do your relationships influence your decisions?
How do you perceive the concept of responsibility that is depicted in the book? Do you think Vlad handles his responsibilities well?
What lessons do you think can be learned from the conflicts and resolutions experienced by the characters in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before discussing, encourage your child to think critically about the characters' actions and their consequences. This will provide a deeper basis for your discussion.
Use examples from the book to connect with real-life situations your child might face, such as dealing with peer pressure or making tough ethical choices.
Ask your child to relate personal experiences to those of Vlad’s, facilitating a more personal connection to the book’s themes.
Validate your child’s feelings and perspectives as they discuss the book to foster a supportive environment for open conversation.
Encourage your child to ask you questions, too. This can help make the discussion a two-way exchange and can provide insights into your child’s thought process and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Vladimir Tod, faces numerous challenges and threats that test his bravery and determination, highlighting his resilience throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Readers can apply the notion of resilience by understanding that challenges are a part of life and can be overcome with perseverance and courage.
Example Lesson: The importance of self-discovery
Explanation: Vladimir's journey is also one of personal growth and self-discovery as he learns more about his vampire heritage and tackles issues pertaining to his identity.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore their own identities and accept themselves, fostering a healthy sense of self in real-world social interactions and personal development.
Example Lesson: Maintaining moral integrity
Explanation: Despite the darker aspects of his nature and the expectations placed upon him, Vladimir often chooses to act in ethically sound ways.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the importance of making choices that align with one’s values, regardless of external pressures, which is a crucial skill in maintaining personal integrity and ethical standards in daily life.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout his trials, Vladimir's close relationships with his friends provide him with support and guidance, underscoring the value of true friendship.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture their friendships, understanding that true friends are a source of support and guidance through life’s challenges.