Friends 4 Ever
#4 in Circle of Friends Series
on Goodreads (73)
What’s inside...
Carrie, Alex, and Sky have been inseparable best friends since their first day of high school. Despite their differences and the judgment from a mean group of girls known as 'The Amys', they know they're cool and have fun together, supported by their guy friends Jordan and Sam. They believe their friendship will last forever.
Discussion points
What did you think about how the characters solved their problems together? Can you think of a time you worked with a friend to solve a problem?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
How did the characters show kindness and understanding to each other? Can you give an example from your own experiences?
What do you think makes a friendship strong, based on the story?
If you could add a new character to the story, who would they be and how would they fit into the group?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing a personal story about your own friendships to make the conversation relatable.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story by asking them how certain parts made them feel.
Connect the story's themes to real-life situations your child might encounter to help them apply the lessons learned.
Use the questions to guide a drawing or writing activity where your child can create their own story about friendship.
Finish your reading sessions by summarizing key points discussed and praise your child for their insights and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'Friends 4 Ever', the characters demonstrate strong bonds and support for each other through various challenges, showcasing how true friends are always there for each other.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by nurturing their friendships, learning to support and trust their friends, and understanding the value of being a good friend in everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story illustrates situations where characters understand and respect each other's feelings, promoting the concept of empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to recognize and consider other people's emotions and viewpoints, which is crucial in developing social skills and building relationships.
Example Lesson: Conflict resolution
Explanation: Throughout the book, the friends face conflicts that they resolve by communicating and compromising, teaching the reader effective ways to handle disputes.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply these conflict resolution skills at school and in play, helping them navigate disagreements in a constructive way.
Example Lesson: Celebrating differences
Explanation: The diverse group of characters in 'Friends 4 Ever' learn to celebrate each other’s unique traits and backgrounds, fostering a message of inclusivity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate diversity among their peers and in their communities, promoting inclusiveness in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The friends in the book often work together to overcome obstacles, highlighting the benefits of collaboration and teamwork.
Real-World Application: By understanding the value of teamwork shown in the book, children can improve their cooperative skills during group activities at school and in extracurricular settings.