Book 2: Major Mama Drama (Katherine the Almost Great, 2)
#2 in Katherine The Almost Great Series
What’s inside...
Katharine Carmichael, a third grader, struggles to deal with the embarrassment of having her mom as the new cook at her school, Liberty Corner. Mrs. Carmichael's actions, such as banning fries and delivering sour milk, cause Katharine to experience discomfort and teasing from her peers. Faced with these challenges, Katharine decides to take matters into her own hands to navigate the complications of her mom's new job and the impact it has on her school life.
Discussion points
How do you think Katherine felt when she faced challenges in the story? Can you relate to her feelings?
What are some ways Katherine tried to solve her problems? Do you think those were good solutions?
What would you have done differently if you were in Katherine's situation?
How do you think communicating better could have helped Katherine and her friends or family?
What did you learn from Katherine’s adventures that you can apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening. When your child shares their thoughts, show empathy and understanding towards Katherine’s challenges and draw parallels to their own experiences.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them how they might have handled similar situations differently.
Discuss the importance of communication and teamwork as seen in the book, and relate it to real-life scenarios in your child's world.
Use specific examples from the book to make conversations more concrete and relatable, helping your child connect with the story and its lessons.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resolving Conflicts
Explanation: Katherine navigates through various misunderstandings and conflicts with her mother, demonstrating effective communication and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of discussing their problems and misunderstandings openly and respectfully, which can help them resolve conflicts with family and friends in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, Katherine is tasked with different responsibilities that she must manage while dealing with her personal dramas, teaching about the importance of accountability.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to take charge of their own tasks, such as homework or chores, understanding that fulfilling responsibilities is key to personal growth and reliability.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Katherine often reflects on her mother's perspectives and feelings, which fosters a sense of empathy and understanding towards others’ emotions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider other people's feelings and viewpoints, aiding them in building more supportive and understanding relationships.
Example Lesson: Building Self-Esteem
Explanation: Katherine faces various challenges but learns to overcome them with confidence, which boosts her self-esteem and demonstrates the power of believing in oneself.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to face their own challenges confidently, helping them develop a strong sense of self-worth.