Audrey L and Audrey W: Best Friends-ish
What’s inside...
The first book in the 'Best Friends-Ish' chapter book series follows two girls named Audrey who are polar opposites. Over a school week, the book explores deep themes such as identity, friendship, and self-worth amidst common elementary school challenges. With a mix of humor and empathy, the story resonates with young readers as they navigate their unique traits and relationships. The book is enhanced by numerous black and white illustrations, making it a perfect transition into novels for new readers. It addresses the difficulties of being overshadowed or feeling inadequate, and the unique challenge of sharing a name with a classmate, showing that sharing traits with someone else can be positive.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-9
Length
184 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Audrey L and Audrey W felt when they first met each other?
What are some ways the Audreys show they care for each other, even when they disagree?
Can you remember a time when you had to solve a misunderstanding with a friend? What did you do?
Why is it important to listen to our friends' feelings?
What does being a good friend mean to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own story about a friend from your childhood to make the conversation feel more relatable. Keep your tone light and encouraging, allowing your child to express their feelings and thoughts freely. Highlight the importance of empathy and understanding in friendships, as demonstrated by the Audreys. Finally, praise your child for their insights, fostering a sense of confidence in their ability to analyze and reflect on relationships.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Navigating Friendship Challenges
Explanation: The story depicts the ups and downs between Audrey L and Audrey W, showing that even best friends can have disagreements and misunderstandings.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of communication and forgiveness in maintaining friendships, helping them resolve conflicts constructively in their own relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through the characters' journey, children see how empathy is crucial when dealing with friends’ feelings. The Audreys learn to see situations from each other's perspectives.
Real-World Application: This teaches kids to consider other people’s feelings and viewpoints in daily interactions, promoting emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: The book highlights how the two Audreys, despite their similar names, have different personalities and preferences, yet still form a strong bond.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and embrace individual differences in their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in playgroups.
Example Lesson: Value of Apologies
Explanation: When misunderstandings occur, the characters demonstrate the importance of apologizing sincerely to heal rifts.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to take responsibility for their actions and understand the healing power of an apology in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Friendship
Explanation: The story concludes with the characters recognizing the value of their friendship, despite challenges.
Real-World Application: This reinforces the notion that true friendships are worth the effort and should be cherished, teaching children to value and nurture their relationships.