Go Girl! #3: Sister Spirit
#3 of 29 in Go girl! Series
What’s inside...
Snip! Snip! Cassie is convinced her big sister hates her. First, Hillary cuts off Cassie's hair (so she won't look like such a 'baby!'). Then she stops talking to her. But Cassie knows a secret about Hillary's biggest fear. And she's going to use it to win her big sister back! 'Go Girl #3: Sister Spirit' by Thalia Kalkipsakis and illustrated by Ash Oswald is a story about sisters, full of familiar themes that young readers will be able to relate to their own lives.
Discussion points
How do you think Lulu felt when she had to share everything with her little sister? What would you do in her place?
What are some ways Lulu shows she cares about her sister, even when she's upset?
Why is it important to have patience and understanding with family members?
How do the sisters manage to resolve their conflict by the end of the story? What can we learn from their resolution?
Can you think of a time when you learned something valuable from a sibling or a friend?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Lulu's shoes, fostering empathy and understanding. Highlight the importance of family bonds and the support siblings can offer each other. Use examples from the book to discuss conflict resolution and the benefits of communication. Discuss the characters’ emotions and actions to enhance emotional literacy. Finally, share personal family stories that relate to the themes in the book to make the conversation more relatable and meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Support
Explanation: In 'Go Girl! #3: Sister Spirit', the main character, Lucy, learns the value of family support when her sister helps her overcome stage fright.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by leaning on family members during challenging times, understanding that family can be a source of strength and encouragement.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Lucy initially struggles to understand her sister's interests, but learns to appreciate and empathize with her. This is portrayed when Lucy takes the time to engage in activities her sister enjoys.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to respect and appreciate the differences in others, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic outlook towards classmates and friends.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Fears
Explanation: The story highlights Lucy's journey to overcome her fear of performing in public with help from her supportive sister.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing fears and the role courage plays in personal growth. This can help them tackle their own fears, such as speaking in front of the class or trying out for a sports team.
Example Lesson: Importance of Persistence
Explanation: Lucy shows persistence by continuing to practice and prepare for her performance despite setbacks and nerves.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children that persistence and hard work can lead to success, which is applicable in their academic pursuits or learning new skills.