Girls in Tears (Girls Quartet Book 4)
#4 of 4 in Internet Girls Series
on Goodreads (8,272)
What’s inside...
In 'Girls in Tears,' the fourth book of the Girls Quartet series by Jacqueline Wilson, the story continues to follow the lives of four best friends: Ellie, Magda, Nadine, and sometimes Russell. The girls are navigating the complexities of early teenage years, dealing with issues such as boy troubles, family conflicts, and personal insecurities. Ellie, the main character, faces a series of emotional challenges, including misunderstandings with her friends, the pain of her first breakup, and the struggle to cope with her parents' imperfections. Throughout the book, the girls learn valuable lessons about the importance of communication, the strength of their friendship, and the resilience needed to overcome the tears and tribulations of growing up. In the final volume of the fresh and funny Girls Quartet, Ellie’s best friends do the unthinkable—bond without her—until the girls realize how to really be friends. Ellie knows the rule: Best friends always come before boys. But Russell isn’t just any old boy. He and Ellie are in love. They’re going to go out forever and ever . . . at least, that’s what she thinks until everything goes wrong. Now Ellie feels like crying all the time and—to make matters worse—she can’t even count on Magda and Nadine anymore! The three of them were supposed to be inseparable. They couldn’t really be splitting up for good. Could they?
Character compass
Ellie
Magda
Nadine
Russell
Discussion points
How do the characters in 'Girls in Tears' handle their emotions and conflicts? What can we learn from their experiences?
What role do friendships play in the book, and how do they affect the characters’ decisions and emotions?
How do the characters grow or change throughout the story? Can you relate to any of these changes?
What are some challenges the characters face, and how do they overcome them? Have you faced similar challenges?
How do the characters express their feelings of happiness, sadness, or anger? Is it similar or different to how you express your emotions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage open and honest dialogue by sharing your own experiences related to the themes of the book.
Ask your child to pick a favorite character and discuss why they chose that character, fostering a deeper understanding of character traits and motivations.
Highlight key moments in the story where characters had to make significant choices and discuss the outcomes, emphasizing the impact of decision-making.
Discuss the importance of empathy by exploring how the characters might have felt during various situations in the book.
Encourage your child to express how the book’s themes relate to their own life, reinforcing the connection between literature and personal growth.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book showcases the main characters experiencing various emotional challenges and misunderstandings that help them grow. The depiction of these struggles demonstrates the importance of empathy in friendships.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize emotional cues and respond sensitively to friends and peers, fostering nurturing relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout 'Girls in Tears', characters navigate personal and family issues, teaching readers about resilience and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to persevere through their own challenges, whether they're academic, social, or personal, understanding that struggles are a part of growth.
Example Lesson: The value of communication
Explanation: Miscommunications among the characters lead to conflicts which are later resolved through open and honest dialogue. This highlights the importance of clear communication in maintaining healthy relationships.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to express their feelings and thoughts openly and resolve misunderstandings through discussion, which is essential in building lasting relationships.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and making amends
Explanation: Characters make mistakes and learn that taking responsibility for their actions is crucial. They work towards making amends, providing a model for accountability.
Real-World Application: Instills the importance of owning up to mistakes and working to correct them, teaching children to be accountable for their actions in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Self-awareness and personal growth
Explanation: As the characters deal with various personal and external challenges, they reflect on their experiences and grow. This self-reflection is an important part of their development.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of introspection and self-improvement, helping them to become more aware of their strengths and areas for growth.