The Slippery Slope

Name: The Slippery Slope
ISBN: 9780064410137

by Lemony Snicket

The Baudelaire orphans continue their desperate flight from the villainous Count Olaf, finding themselves on a perilous, icy mountain. As they brave snow gnats and a sinister troupe of youngsters, the

About This Book

In the tenth installment of Lemony Snicket's darkly humorous series, "The Slippery Slope" plunges the Baudelaire orphans, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny, into yet another dire predicament. Following a cliffhanger, the siblings find themselves on a treacherous, snow-covered mountain, pursued by the relentless Count Olaf and his henchmen. This book continues to explore themes of resilience, moral ambiguity, and the blurred lines between good and evil, as the children encounter a mysterious secret society, V.F.D., and learn more about their parents' past. Snicket's distinctive narrative style, filled with wry asides and vocabulary lessons, makes this a compelling read for middle-grade children aged 10-14, offering both suspense and thoughtful commentary on human nature.

Like bad smells, uninvited weekend guests or very old eggs, there are some things that ought to be avoided. Snicket's saga about the charming, intelligent, and grossly unlucky Baudelaire orphans continues to alarm its distressed and suspicious fans the world over. The 10th book in this outrageous publishing effort features more than the usual dose of distressing details, such as snow gnats, an organised troupe of youngsters, an evil villain with a dastardly plan, a secret headquarters and some dangerous antics you should not try at home. With the weather turning colder, this is one chilling book you would be better off without. Ages 10+

Concepts

Sadness & Grief Fear & Bravery Resilience & Perseverance Justice & Fairness Good vs. Evil Curiosity & Wonder Friendship & Loyalty Self-Confidence & Identity Empathy & Kindness Honesty & Integrity Love & Family Anxiety & Worry Creativity & Imagination Teamwork & Collaboration

Discussion Prompts

The book often blurs the lines between 'good' and 'evil' characters. Can you think of examples where a 'good' character does something questionable, or a 'bad' character shows a surprising trait?

Lemony Snicket often defines words in a humorous or specific way. What are some of your favorite definitions, and how do they add to the story?

The Baudelaire orphans rely on their unique skills to survive. How do Violet's inventing, Klaus's reading, and Sunny's biting (and later cooking) help them in this book?

What new clues do the Baudelaires discover about V.F.D. and their parents' past in 'The Slippery Slope'? How do these clues change your understanding of the overall mystery?

The setting of this book is a cold, slippery mountain. How does this environment add to the challenges and dangers the children face?

External Reviews