About This Book
Stay with Me tells the poignant story of Mack, a dog-whispering high school dropout, and Céce, an ambitious student determined to forge a better life. They fall in love while working together, but their future is jeopardized when Mack is sent to prison. The narrative explores themes of first love, loyalty, resilience, and overcoming adversity, with a special focus on the unwavering bond a one-eared pit bull provides. This chapter book, while featuring 15-year-old characters, is suitable for middle-grade readers (ages 9-12) who can handle mature themes of separation, difficult family situations, and the justice system, all handled with sensitivity and an ultimately hopeful tone.
Fifteen-year-olds Mack, a high school drop-out but a genius with dogs, and Céce, who hopes to use her intelligence to avoid a life like her mother's, meet and fall in love at the restaurant where they both work, but when Mack lands in prison he pushes Céce away and only a one-eared pit-bull can keep them together.
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Discussion Prompts
1
How does the pit bull, Stay, help Mack and Céce stay connected? What does loyalty mean in this story?
2
Céce wants to avoid a life like her mother's. What does this tell us about her character and her dreams?
3
Mack faces a difficult situation by going to prison. How does he show resilience and bravery?
4
What challenges do Mack and Céce face, and how do they try to overcome them?
5
How do the characters in the book show empathy and kindness towards each other, even when things are tough?
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