About This Book
Casey McQuiston's 'I Kissed Shara Wheeler' is a vibrant young adult novel that blends mystery, romance, and coming-of-age themes. When the seemingly perfect Shara Wheeler kisses her academic rival, Chloe Green, and then vanishes, Chloe is drawn into a scavenger hunt across their conservative Christian academy. She teams up with Shara's jock boyfriend and a stoner neighbor, both of whom also received a mysterious kiss, to follow Shara's cryptic clues. This book explores themes of identity, societal expectations, first love, and the complexities of friendship, all while providing significant LGBTQ+ representation. It's suitable for readers aged 12-18, offering an engaging plot and thought-provoking discussions about authenticity and self-discovery.
A month before graduating from Willowgrove Christian Academy, the principal's perfect daughter, prom queen Shara Wheeler, kisses Chloe Green and vanishes
Concepts
Self-Confidence & IdentityCuriosity & WonderFriendship & LoyaltyFreedom & IndependenceLove & FamilyLoneliness & BelongingResilience & PerseveranceHonesty & IntegrityEmpathy & KindnessJustice & FairnessJoy & GratitudeGrowing UpBeing DifferentMaking FriendsPeer PressureCultural IdentitySchool LifeMysteryFriendship & Social
Romantic Content
mental_health_themes
secrets
Discussion Prompts
1
What does 'perfect' mean in the context of Willowgrove Christian Academy, and how does Shara challenge that idea?
2
How do Chloe's perceptions of Shara change throughout the book, and what does this teach us about judging others?
3
The book explores different kinds of love and friendship. How are these relationships portrayed, and what makes them strong?
4
What role do secrets play in the story, and when is it okay to keep a secret versus when is it better to be open?
5
How do the characters navigate their identities and desires within the expectations of their community?
External Reviews
NYT Bestseller
Young Adult Hardcover (12 weeks on list)
If Your Family Enjoyed This
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