AND THE WINNER IS . . . (SVK #66) (Sweet Valley Kids)
#66 in Sweet Valley Kids Series
on Goodreads (78)
What’s inside...
By calling into a radio station, seven-year-old Jessica Wakefield wins a CD, two T-shirts, and an autographed photo of her favorite singer. However, she faces a dilemma as the prizes are restricted to winners aged thirteen and older, leaving Jessica uncertain about how to claim her winnings.
Discussion points
What do you think Jessica and Elizabeth learned from their experiences in the story?
How would you handle a situation where you and a friend both wanted the same thing?
What does the story teach us about competition and friendship?
Can you think of a time when you worked really hard to achieve something? How did it feel?
Why is it important to be supportive of your friends, even when you are competitors?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' actions and decisions. Invite them to relate the story's themes to their own experiences. Praise their efforts to understand complex concepts like competition and camaraderie. Remind them that it's okay to feel mixed emotions and that talking about these feelings can help.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters learn to work together to solve problems and achieve goals, demonstrating the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each team member’s contributions.
Example Lesson: Embracing individual strengths
Explanation: The characters come to appreciate their unique abilities and how these contribute to their collective success.
Real-World Application: In real life, children can learn to recognize and celebrate their own talents and those of others, which can boost self-esteem and foster mutual respect among peers.
Example Lesson: The significance of honesty
Explanation: The story highlights the consequences of dishonesty and the benefits of being truthful, even when it is difficult.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of honesty in building trust and maintaining healthy relationships with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Handling competition healthily
Explanation: Characters in the book deal with competitive situations, learning to handle both winning and losing gracefully.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to apply this lesson by understanding that competition is a natural part of life and learning to deal with outcomes positively, regardless of winning or losing.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of setbacks
Explanation: As challenges arise, the characters learn to stay determined and try again, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that setbacks are learning opportunities and that persistence is key to overcoming difficulties in any aspect of life.