What are some of the difficult choices characters face in the book, and why are they so hard to make?

This is a discussion prompt for Saint Death by Marcus Sedgwick. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

How does the setting of the US-Mexican border influence the events and characters in the story?

This is a discussion prompt for Saint Death by Marcus Sedgwick. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What does this book teach us about resilience and perseverance in the face of extreme challenges?

This is a discussion prompt for Saint Death by Marcus Sedgwick. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

How do the themes of justice and fairness play out in the narrative?

This is a discussion prompt for Saint Death by Marcus Sedgwick. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

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Saint Death

Name: Saint Death
ISBN: 9781626725492

by Marcus Sedgwick

Set on the US-Mexico border, this gripping thriller follows Arturo as he navigates the dangerous world of cartels, poverty, and human trafficking to help a friend.

About This Book

"A novel about the illicit human and drug trade at the US-Mexican border."--

Concepts

Fear & Bravery Resilience & Perseverance Justice & Fairness Good vs. Evil Honesty & Integrity Freedom & Independence Empathy & Kindness Immigration Financial Hardship Growing Up Survival & Wilderness

Heads up, parents

peril_danger

Violence

Character Death

separation_from_parent

Scary Scenes

mental_health_themes

Wonderlit Review

Marcus Sedgwick's "Saint Death" immerses readers in the harsh realities of the US-Mexican border, focusing on the illicit human and drug trade. The narrative follows characters navigating perilous situations, making life-altering decisions, and confronting the moral complexities of their environment. The book handles sensitive topics like human trafficking, drug trade, and violence with a raw, realistic approach. It doesn't shy away from the dangers and ethical dilemmas, presenting them directly without being overly graphic, but certainly intense. It's a secular treatment of these issues, focusing on the human experience and societal impact. The emotional arc is likely heavy from the outset, filled with tension, fear, and moments of despair, but probably tempered with threads of resilience, hope, and the human spirit's capacity for survival. This book is for mature young adults (12-18) who are ready to engage with challenging real-world issues. It's particularly suited for readers interested in social justice, contemporary global issues, and stories of survival against overwhelming odds. A parent might reach for this when their teenager expresses interest in current events, immigration issues, or the complexities of the US-Mexican border, or when looking to introduce their children to more serious, realistic fiction that can spark meaningful conversations. Parents should be prepared to discuss themes of violence, human exploitation, and moral ambiguity. While not gratuitous, the content is intense and deals with life-or-death situations. It would be beneficial to read alongside their teen or discuss chapters as they go, offering context and a safe space for questions. Younger teens (12-14) might find the intensity and moral complexities challenging, requiring more guidance and discussion. Older teens (15-18) will likely appreciate the nuanced portrayal of difficult issues and the suspenseful narrative, engaging with it more independently as a powerful piece of realistic fiction. Unlike some adventure stories that romanticize danger, "Saint Death" grounds its narrative in a stark, realistic portrayal of a very real and dangerous world. It offers a window into the human cost of illicit trade, making it a more sobering and impactful read than typical thrillers, focusing on the human element rather than just action.