A Friend in Need! (2) (Friends)
#2 in Friends Series
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
Erika is good at sports and has many friends, but her two best friends Daisy and Phoebe notice that she has become quiet and is avoiding them. They wonder if she is being bullied, but doubt it since she is the most popular girl at school. This story, illustrated by Kate Pankhurst, explores themes of friendship and bullying, making it a great read for fans of Jacqueline Wilson. The book's author, Julia Jarman, is active in schools and at festival events throughout the year.
Discussion points
How do you think Ben felt when he realized he needed help? Have you ever felt the same way?
What are some ways you can help a friend who is in trouble?
Why is it important to have friends who support each other?
Can you think of a time when a friend helped you? How did it make you feel?
What would you do differently if you were one of the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Validate their emotions and share your own experiences related to the themes of friendship and support. Use examples from the book to discuss real-life scenarios where they can apply the lessons learned about helping and being helped. Reinforce the value of empathy and understanding in friendships to deepen their comprehension and personal growth.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story demonstrates empathy by showing how the characters understand and share the feelings of others, especially when a friend faces difficulty.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by noticing when their friends or family members are upset or need help, and responding with kindness and understanding.
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters work together to solve problems, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to collaborate with others at school on projects or in games, understanding that team efforts can achieve greater outcomes.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The characters face challenges that they resolve using clever and thoughtful solutions, providing a model for effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to approach their own challenges creatively, understanding that there can be multiple solutions to a single problem.
Example Lesson: Inclusivity
Explanation: The story includes various characters, each with unique traits and backgrounds, promoting an inclusive environment.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace diversity and include peers from different backgrounds in their activities and play.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Characters in the book face setbacks but learn to overcome them, teaching children the value of resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that encountering obstacles is a part of life and that persistence and courage can help overcome them.