Drummer Girl
Ladybug Girl Series
What’s inside...
Drummer Girl tells the story of Arizona Wakefield, a high school senior seeking solace in her drums amidst her dysfunctional family life. Jesse Barringer, the son of a failed rock star, battles his own demons, including bipolar disorder inherited from his father. When Arizona's rhythm meets Jesse's melody, their collaboration leads to a profound connection and a transformative relationship, despite the challenges of mental health and drug abuse they face. This mature YA/New Adult romance novel addresses serious themes and includes mature sexual situations. On a lighter note, Ladybug Girl is a delightful board book that showcases the power of imagination in play. Ladybug Girl, along with her dog Bingo, enjoys a range of games from tea parties to hide-and-seek, proving that any game can be fun with a little creativity. This story is perfect for young readers and celebrates the joys of imaginative play.
Why read this book
- Inspiring story of perseverance and passion.
- Encourages musical interest and artistic expression.
- Features strong, relatable female protagonist.
- Ideal for enhancing self-confidence and determination.
The Big Picture
- Empowers children through music and expression.
- Illustrates overcoming gender stereotypes.
- Encourages perseverance and achieving dreams.
- Inspires conversations on individuality and ambition.
What parents love
- Perfect mix of fun story and meaningful lessons.
- Sensitive topics handled with care, great for young kids.
- Keeps my child engaged and eager to read more.
- Encourages important discussions at home.
Diversity & Representation
- Showcases Middle Eastern culture and traditional female roles.
- Highlights cultural diversity and gender equality in music.
- Encourages acceptance and appreciation of global cultural differences.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-3
Length
14 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the main character show courage and perseverance throughout the story?
What challenges did the drummer girl face, and how did she overcome them?
How does the drummer girl's journey inspire you in your own life?
What did you learn about the importance of practice and dedication from the drummer girl's experience?
How do you think teamwork played a part in the drummer girl's success?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story of a time you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their own experiences and the drummer girl's journey in the book.
Discuss the different emotions the drummer girl felt throughout the story and ask your child how they would feel in similar situations.
After reading the book, have your child think about a goal they want to achieve and what steps they might take to reach it, drawing inspiration from the drummer girl's perseverance.
Use the teamwork aspects of the story to talk about the importance of working with others and how it can lead to success.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: In 'Drummer Girl', the protagonist faces challenges in learning the drums but continues to practice and improve, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by consistently working towards their goals, whether in academics, sports, or hobbies, despite difficulties.
Example Lesson: Self-expression
Explanation: The main character uses drumming as a form of expressing her emotions and personality, which is pivotal to her development in the story.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to find and engage in activities that allow them to express themselves creatively, building their confidence and self-identity.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'Drummer Girl', the protagonist learns the importance of collaborating with her band members to create music, emphasizing the value of working together.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to collaborate with peers in group projects or team sports, understanding that collective efforts often achieve greater results.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story portrays the protagonist's journey in understanding her bandmates' perspectives and challenges, which helps in resolving conflicts.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to consider the feelings and views of others, which can improve their social interactions and foster friendships.
Example Lesson: Gender Equality
Explanation: As a girl playing drums, a traditionally male-dominated activity, the protagonist challenges gender stereotypes and inspires equality.
Real-World Application: This promotes the idea among children that they can pursue any interest or career regardless of gender, advocating for equality and inclusivity in all areas of life.