Camille McPhee Fell Under the Bus
on Goodreads (237)
What’s inside...
Fair can be described as just, equitable, and what is right, while unfair encapsulates the life of Camille McPhee. Camille navigates a challenging life with low blood sugar requiring her to carry extra food, experiencing a frightening incident under a school bus, losing her cat, and her best friend moving to Japan. Despite these hardships, Camille remains hopeful, finding positivity in her gifted reading abilities, comforts like a nonsqueaky mattress, enjoying banned foods, and even making a new friend. Her resilience is a testament to her hopeful nature in face of adversities.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Camille McPhee handle the challenges she faced, and what can we learn from her?
Can you think of a time when you felt different like Camille? How did you deal with that situation?
What role do Camille's friends play in the story? How important are friends in overcoming difficulties?
How did the story make you feel? Were there any parts that surprised you or made you think differently?
If you could give Camille one piece of advice, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a cozy reading environment where you and your child can discuss the book without distractions.
Show genuine interest in their responses by asking follow-up questions to delve deeper into their thoughts and feelings.
Relate personal experiences or similar challenges to the discussion to help your child connect with the book's themes.
Praise your child's insights and perspectives to encourage a love of reading and critical thinking.
Discuss the characters' decisions and actions in the book to foster empathy and understanding in your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Camille McPhee faces numerous challenges, including being diagnosed with hypoglycemia, which she manages with strength and adaptability.
Real-World Application: Children learn to address their own problems with courage and adapt solutions to overcome personal obstacles.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The book portrays Camille's interactions with her peers, providing insights into diverse perspectives and fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to understand and appreciate differences among their peers, enhancing their social skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Camille navigates her school life and personal challenges with the help of her friends, highlighting the importance of supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value and nurture friendships, understanding the role of mutual support and companionship.
Example Lesson: Handling change
Explanation: Camille deals with significant changes in her life, including her father's absence, which teaches adaptability and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children learn strategies to cope with changes in their own environments, helping them to adapt more easily to new situations.
Example Lesson: Creative problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Camille uses creativity to solve problems, whether it's managing her medical condition or dealing with school challenges.
Real-World Application: Promotes the use of creativity and innovation in everyday problem-solving among children, enhancing their cognitive flexibility and decision-making skills.