My Ex Best Friend (Party of Five: Claudia)
#3 in Party Of Five Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
Realizing that her best friend, Jody, is thwarting her attempts to win a cute boy that they both like, an enraged Claudia decides to end the friendship and steal the boy for herself.
Discussion points
What did you think about how Claudia handled her situation with her ex-best friend? What would you have done differently?
How do you think friendships change as we grow older? Have you experienced something similar?
Claudia had to navigate some tough emotions in the story. What are some ways you deal with difficult feelings when facing problems with friends?
Why do you think understanding and forgiveness are important in friendships, based on Claudia's experiences?
How do you think the story would have changed if Claudia made different decisions about her friendships?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences with friendship to those of Claudia, fostering a deeper connection with the story. Discuss the emotional complexities within the book, helping your child understand different perspectives. Highlight the importance of empathy and resilience as depicted in the book, and how these qualities can be beneficial in real life. Use examples from the book to talk about the consequences of actions and the importance of making thoughtful decisions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Navigating Friendships
Explanation: The story focuses on Claudia as she deals with the complexities of friendships and misunderstandings. It showcases the ups and downs of relationships and the effort required to maintain them.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of communication and forgiveness in friendships, skills vital for building lasting relationships in school and beyond.
Example Lesson: Self-awareness and Growth
Explanation: Claudia learns to reflect on her own actions and how they impact others, leading to personal growth and better decision-making.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to self-reflect and recognize their own role in conflicts, helping them evolve into more thoughtful individuals.
Example Lesson: Resolving Conflicts
Explanation: The book demonstrates positive ways of conflict resolution as Claudia strives to mend a broken friendship.
Real-World Application: This teaches children effective conflict resolution strategies like open communication and empathy, which are essential in both academic settings and personal life.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, Claudia learns to see things from other perspectives which is pivotal in overcoming the conflict with her ex-best friend.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of empathy, encouraging them to understand and appreciate diverse perspectives, fostering a more inclusive environment at home and school.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The protagonist shows resilience in facing social challenges, highlighting the strength required to navigate tough emotional landscapes.
Real-World Application: This lesson imparts the importance of resilience, teaching children to remain strong and positive despite setbacks or social challenges.