Description:

Diet Soda Club by Chaz Hayden is a novel about 17-year-old Reed Beckett, who becomes the sole caregiver for his 10-year-old sister, Beatrice, after their overwhelmed mother unexpectedly abandons them. Beatrice has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and requires expensive medical care, so Reed turns to making fake IDs to earn money for food, rent, and hospital bills. As the risks of his illegal side business grow, Reed must decide how far he’s willing to go to protect the person he loves most. Along the way, he reconnects with an old friend, Helena, and discovers the importance of trust, community, and asking for help.

Discussion Questions:

• The book cover asks “Have you ever made all the wrong choices for all the right reasons?” What determines if a choice is right or wrong? What right choices does Reed make?
• When, if ever, do the ends justify the means? Do you think Reed crossed a line, or was he doing what he had to do? What would you do in his situation?
• What makes a family—biology, responsibility, love, or something else? How does the book explore what family means? 

(Questions are from National Education Association)