Ella on the Outside
What’s inside...
Ella is the new girl at school. She doesn't know anyone and she doesn't have any friends. And she has a terrible secret. Ella can't believe her luck when Lydia, the most popular girl in school, decides to be her new best friend - but what does Lydia really want? And what does it all have to do with Molly, the quiet, shy girl who won't talk to anyone? A gripping story of lies, friendship, and blackmail...
Age
8-12
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ella
Molly
Lydia
Discussion points
How do you think Ella felt when she had to keep secrets from her friends? Have you ever been in a similar situation?
What would you do if you were in Ella's place and had to choose between being loyal to a friend or being honest?
How does Ella's relationship with her mother influence her decisions throughout the story?
Why is it important to have someone you can trust and confide in, like Ella eventually finds in her new friend?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the situations Ella encounters. Relate the scenarios to their own experiences to make the conversation more personal and engaging. Highlight the importance of honesty, trust, and friendship in making tough decisions, and discuss how they can apply these values in their own lives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of authenticity
Explanation: Ella, the protagonist, learns to be true to herself despite the pressures of fitting in with the popular crowd.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing their unique qualities and expressing their true selves in various social settings, such as school or during extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: Throughout the story, Ella struggles with honesty, particularly when it comes to her friendship dilemmas. Her journey highlights the consequences of deceit and the benefits of being truthful.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to practice honesty in their daily interactions and understand that trust must be nurtured through truthful communication.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: Ella learns to understand and share the feelings of Lydia, who is an outsider like herself. This shared empathy helps them to form a genuine connection.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with classmates who might feel left out or different, promoting inclusivity and stronger, more understanding friendships.
Example Lesson: Coping with change
Explanation: The book addresses how Ella deals with moving to a new place and adjusting to a new school, illustrating resilience and adaptability.
Real-World Application: This can help children who are dealing with similar transitions, providing them strategies to adapt to new environments or changes in their lives.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: As Ella navigates her challenges, she learns that true friends provide support and understanding, which is pivotal to overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson can reinforce the importance of nurturing supportive friendships that can help children through challenging times, enhancing their social development and emotional well-being.