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The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place

Julie Berry · 2014

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Violence; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

The plot centers on the deaths of the headmistress and her husband, which are integral to the story.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Mentions of the deceased bodies, but details are not visceral or gratuitous.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild, period-appropriate language; no strong profanity.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Not a primary focus of the text.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental references to Victorian-era social norms including religious attendance.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

There are light, age-appropriate hints of crushes and social maneuvering among the characters.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

The mystery involves tension regarding the killer's identity and the girls hiding secrets in a gothic setting.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

References to wine or alcohol occur in the Victorian social context but are not glamorized.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes descriptions of deaths and some minor scuffles, but it is not graphic or action-heavy.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists show immense courage in solving a dangerous mystery while trying to maintain their own safety.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Inventive disguises, schemes, investigation, and collaborative problem-solving drive the plot and strongly encourage imaginative thinking.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The group of girls is portrayed with distinct, individual personalities and varying temperaments.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Provides a sense of Victorian social mores, schooling, and historical atmosphere.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

The heart of the book is the fierce loyalty and care the girls show one another.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, loyalty, resourcefulness, questioning authority, and protecting vulnerable people are important; secrecy and deception have complicated consequences.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The girls demonstrate significant bravery, resourcefulness, and mutual support.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place, and what caused that change?
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