Big Nate: Hug It Out!
#21 in Big Nate Novels Series
on Goodreads (2,942)
What’s inside...
In 'Big Nate: Hug It Out!', Nate navigates the challenges of sixth grade, dealing with his arch-nemesis Gina, trying to impress his crush, bonding with friends over their shared dislike for social studies, and attempting to make the soccer team. At the fair, Nate rides the Flamethrower with a mystery girl and believes he's found the love of his life, but she disappears. Nate is determined to find her and rekindle their connection. In this new collection of comics from the New York Times bestselling series, Nate continues his hilarious misadventures with friends, seeks heroics in soccer, contributes to the school newspaper, and experiences a bit of romance when he unexpectedly shares a ferris wheel ride with a mystery girl at the fair. As Nate tries to locate her again, he and his gang are back for more laughter-filled escapades.
Discussion points
How do you think Nate felt when he had to apologize? Have you ever been in a similar situation?
Why is it important to resolve conflicts with friends? How does it make you feel afterwards?
What do you think makes a good friend? Does Nate show any of these qualities?
How do the characters in 'Big Nate: Hug It Out!' deal with their emotions? Can you relate to any of their methods?
What lesson did you learn from this story? How would you apply it in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story’s themes.
Relate the situations in the book to real-life scenarios your child might encounter to make the discussion more relevant.
Highlight the consequences of the characters' actions and ask your child how they might have handled the situation differently.
Encourage your child to think about the role of friendship and forgiveness as depicted in the book, and discuss its importance in their own lives.
Validate their feelings and thoughts as they discuss, to make them feel heard and understood while connecting the narrative to their personal experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Conflict Resolution
Explanation: Throughout 'Big Nate: Hug It Out!', Nate navigates everyday school conflicts and learns to resolve them with empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can apply Nate's methods by learning to talk about their feelings and listen to others' perspectives to resolve disputes among friends or classmates.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendships
Explanation: Nate values and prioritizes his friendships, even when facing challenges, demonstrating the strength and importance of supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of nurturing friendships and being there for one another during tough times.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: Nate uses his love for cartoons and art as a form of expression and handling personal feelings, showing the role of creative outlets in managing emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore their own hobbies and interests as healthy ways to express themselves and cope with their emotions.
Example Lesson: Taking Responsibility for Actions
Explanation: In the book, Nate learns the consequences of his pranks and actions, ultimately understanding the importance of taking responsibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the impact of their actions on others and encourage them to take responsibility in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Nate learns to understand different perspectives and be empathetic towards his peers, which is crucial in building meaningful relationships.
Real-World Application: By demonstrating empathy like Nate, children can improve their social interactions and build deeper connections with their peers.