Forever Amber Brown
#5 of 12 in Amber Brown Series
What’s inside...
Because her divorced parents share joint custody of her, nine-year-old Amber suffers from lack of self-esteem and feels that she is a piece of jointly-owned property. Amber Brown loves the holidays and the activities it brings, but struggles with the shared custody arrangement between her parents which leads to more conflict. Feeling divided between her mom and dad, Amber decides to reclaim a part of herself by getting her ears pierced, despite her mom's disapproval. This story is filled with humor and relatable dialogue, capturing the challenges and emotions of a young girl navigating her parents' divorce.
Discussion points
How do you think Amber felt when her best friend moved away? Have you ever felt the same way?
Amber has to deal with a lot of changes in her life. What are some ways she tries to cope with these changes?
What does Amber do to make herself feel better when she's sad? Can you think of something you do when you're feeling down?
How do you think Amber's relationship with her parents helps her handle her emotions about her friend moving away?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book, and relate them to their own experiences.
Discuss the ways Amber handles change and ask your child if they would do anything differently in a similar situation.
Use the book to talk about the importance of expressing emotions and finding healthy ways to deal with difficult situations.
Highlight the supportive role of Amber's parents, and discuss with your child how family support can help navigate changes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with Change
Explanation: Amber Brown navigates through her parents' divorce and moving away from her best friend, showcasing resilience and adaptability.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face life changes such as switching schools or family transitions, understanding that it's okay to feel sad or confused and learning to adapt.
Example Lesson: Importance of Communication
Explanation: Throughout the book, Amber learns the importance of expressing her feelings and thoughts, whether it's with her parents or friends.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to openly communicate their emotions and thoughts with others, fostering healthier relationships and emotional understanding.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendships
Explanation: Despite the physical distance between them, Amber maintains a strong connection with her best friend Justin, highlighting the importance of friendship.
Real-World Application: Children learn to nurture and value their friendships, even through challenging times or separations.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Amber is presented with various challenges, such as adjusting to a new family dynamic and solving everyday problems. Her proactive approach serves as a model for effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to approach their challenges head-on and develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.