#17 in Big Nate Series
Big Nate: Say Goodbye to Dork City
2015 by
on Goodreads (2,987)
What’s inside...
Big Nate, a boy with a big personality, faces the trials and tribulations of middle school life in Dork City, packed with funny incidents, hilarious school-time antics and awesome friends. With his best pals Francis and Teddy by his side, Nate navigates his way through school, baseball and family life while dealing with teachers, bullies, and typical sixth-grade stress.
Why read this book
- Engaging, humorous adventures captivate young readers.
- Highlights importance of friendship and resilience.
- Boosts confidence through relatable school scenarios.
- Encourages creative problem-solving skills.
The Big Picture
- Emphasizes resilience through humorous, relatable scenarios.
- Promotes self-acceptance and confidence in one's identity.
- Provides a basis for discussing school dynamics and peer interactions.
- Encourages humor as a coping mechanism for challenges.
Diversity & Representation
- Showcases varied characters each with distinct personalities and backgrounds.
- Promotes understanding diverse social dynamics among school-aged children.
- Encourages inclusivity through representation of different friend groups.
Book in series
#17
Age
7-12
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
developing
Character Compass
Discussion points
How does Nate navigate the challenges he faces at school and at home in the story? What can you learn from his experiences?
Nate often tries to change his image in 'Say Goodbye to Dork City.' What do you think about the idea of changing yourself to fit in or be popular?
How do relationships in the book, like Nate's friendships and family interactions, shape his decisions and actions?
Nate faces consequences for some of his actions in the book. Can you think of a time when you faced consequences for your actions? What did you learn from it?
What role does humor play in Nate's adventures? Do you think humor can help in difficult situations?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to encourage deeper thinking and conversation.
Relate discussions to your child’s experiences, helping them connect the themes of the book to their own life.
Discuss the characters’ motivations and choices to help your child understand different perspectives.
Encourage your child to express their opinions about the book’s events, fostering critical thinking and personal expression.
Highlight the humorous elements in the story to make the discussion enjoyable and engaging.
What parents love
Perfect blend of fun and moral lessons.
Engaging, my child didn’t want to put it down!
Handles sensitive topics with just the right touch.
Humorous yet insightful—great for developing empathy.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'Big Nate: Say Goodbye to Dork City', Nate learns the hard way that small lies can lead to big troubles, affecting his friendships and school life.
Real-World Application: Children can understand that being truthful is crucial in maintaining trust and building healthy relationships with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nate faces various consequences for his actions. This helps illustrate the cause and effect relationship between what we do and the results that follow.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think before they act and to consider the possible outcomes of their decisions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Nate encounters several challenges but continues to push forward. His resilience in solving problems highlights a key trait of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persisting through difficulties instead of giving up, applying this resilience to schoolwork, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: Nate’s interactions with his peers and adults in 'Big Nate: Say Goodbye to Dork City' showcase moments where he learns to understand different perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to consider how others might feel before acting, fostering a sense of empathy and social awareness.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The story shows Nate navigating the ups and downs of friendships, learning more about loyalty and support.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the value of having good friends and how to be a good friend in return, which is essential for building lasting relationships.