Abby's Lucky Thirteen
#96 of 131 in The Baby-Sitters Club Series
on Goodreads (675)
What’s inside...
Abby's Lucky Thirteen follows the story of Abby, a young girl passionate about basketball with a remarkable winning streak. Her life takes a turn when her step-sister moves in, bringing changes to her family dynamic. Amidst these adjustments, Abby faces challenges in maintaining her basketball performance and friendships. Additionally, as she prepares for her Bat Mitzvah with her twin sister, Abby is falsely accused of cheating on a math test, leading to her suspension from school. She chooses to keep the truth about the test and the suspension hidden. Abby and her twin sister, Anna, recently turned thirteen. They are preparing for their Bat Mitzvah, which is a big deal for the twins and their mother. And now, just when Abby should be acting like an adult, she is caught cheating on a math test and is suspended from school. Even though Abby didn't cheat, she refuses to tell what really happened. She even keeps the suspension a secret from her mother. Abby is heading for big trouble on the biggest day of her life. Will she be able to get it together without disappointing everyone - including herself?
Discussion points
Why do you think Abby was feeling so nervous about her Bat Mitzvah?
How did Abby's relationship with her twin sister Anna change throughout the book?
What are some ways Abby showed courage during challenging times?
What did you learn about different cultures and traditions from this book?
If you were in Abby's shoes, how would you handle the pressure from school and planning your Bat Mitzvah?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story related to a significant event in your life, akin to Abby’s Bat Mitzvah.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Abby’s situations, promoting emotional understanding.
Discuss the cultural aspects presented in the book to broaden your child’s awareness and acceptance of diverse traditions.
Use Abby’s academic and personal challenges to talk about setting realistic goals and managing time effectively.
Highlight Abby’s moments of growth and ask your child to reflect on moments where they felt they grew from an experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: In 'Abby's Lucky Thirteen,' Abby navigates her Bat Mitzvah preparations and her parents' divorce, demonstrating adaptability and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to accept changes in their life, understanding that adaptability is key to overcoming challenges.
Example Lesson: Understanding Cultural Heritage
Explanation: The book highlights the significance of Abby's Jewish heritage as she prepares for her Bat Mitzvah, showcasing the customs and traditions involved.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and appreciate their own cultural backgrounds, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Support
Explanation: Despite the difficulties of their parent's divorce, Abby and her family come together to support her during her Bat Mitzvah, showing the strength of familial bonds.
Real-World Application: This portrays the value of family support during important milestones, reminding children to cherish and seek comfort in their family ties.
Example Lesson: Handling Responsibilities
Explanation: Abby takes on the responsibility of learning her Torah portions and organizing the event, which teaches her discipline and organizational skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn about the importance of responsibility and self-management in achieving personal goals, applicable in school projects and daily tasks.
Example Lesson: Developing Empathy
Explanation: Abby shows empathy towards her family members as they navigate emotional challenges, learning to consider others' feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be empathetic towards others' emotions and situations, enhancing their social interactions and emotional intelligence.