We’re big fans of Holly Black’s Curse Workers series here at Novel Novice, and since we LOVE tying in YA books with education whenever possible, we’re also big fans of Simon & Schuster’s reading group guides for the first two books in the series.
Here’s a look at what you’ll find in both guides:
Reading Group Guide for White Cat:
Prereading Activity
The starting point for White Cat was the fairy tale of that name, written by Madame d’Aulnoy. Ask readers to read the fairy tale and then see what they can find in it that relates to what happens with Cassel and Lila. Or ask them to read the fairy tale and analyze what it says about love and trust.
Discussion Questions for White Cat
Why doesn’t Cassel want to call for help?
What does Cassel see in his dream about the white cat?
Cassel says, “They’re wondering if I’ve been worked. Cursed. It’s not that big a secret that my grandfather was a death worker for the Zacharov family.” What does this reveal about Cassel and his family?
Who does Cassel say he murdered?
Why does Cassel spend most of his time at school “faking and lying”?
What kind of bookie operation does Cassel run at Wallingford?
Reading Group Guide for Red Glove:
Prereading Activity
Ask readers to work in pairs and use print and electronic resources to research a famous con man or woman. One book readers may find helpful is Chris Barton’s Can I See Your I.D.? True Stories of False Identities (Dial, 2011). Ask readers to create and stage a hypothetical con themselves based on their findings.
Discussion Questions for Red GloveWhat stories has Cassel’s mother been telling the girls who she hopes will make him forget Lila?
What makes Cassel realize his mother is right about guys wanting to be “knights in shining armor”?
Why does Cassel say that Lila’s feelings for him are a “perversion of love”?
What does Cassel think is hard about being a con artist?
What does it mean that Cassel tested positive as “hyperbathygammic”?
Hopefully they’ll have a reading group guide posted soon for Black Heart, too!
Novel Novice 