Indi Raye is Totally Faking It
on Goodreads (51)
What’s inside...
Indi Raye, a charismatic yet somewhat misfit teen, finds herself navigating the tricky waters of high school social dynamics. When an opportunity arises to reinvent her image through a series of misunderstandings and outright fibs, Indi grabs it with both hands. But as her popularity soars, so does the complexity of her lies. Indi must confront the question of whether being liked is worth losing her authenticity. For fans of GEEK GIRL and SUPER AWKWARD comes a hilarious new teen series from CBBC presenter and Capital DJ, Lauren Layfield. Meet Indi. She's new to Manchester with approximately zero friends. Unless you count Gary, who, unfortunately, is a gecko. If Indi's going to find some real mates - and maybe even a boyfriend - she's going to have to FAKE IT. How else is she going to survive her first job in a chippy, which is anything but glam vibes? And how on earth will she attract school crush Johnny Hotpants while smelling like a haddock in a hairnet? Will Indi ever get her first kiss? Will she accept her mum's new boyfriend (yuck)? And will she EVER learn that just being yourself is the most important thing of all? A HILARIOUS new teen diary series about trying to be cool when you just want to eat chicken nuggets and chat to your pet lizard.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-16
Length
384 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Indi Raye felt when she was trying to fit in with her new friends? What would you do in her situation?
What does this story teach us about honesty and being true to ourselves? Can you think of a time when you felt pressured to act differently?
Indi Raye faced some challenges in the story. What do you think were her biggest challenges and how did she overcome them?
Do you think Indi Raye's actions affected her friendships? How important is trust in a friendship?
If you were a character in this book, how would you have helped Indi Raye?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a relaxed environment for the discussion, perhaps after reading the book together or during a meal time.
Show genuine interest in your child's perspectives and encourage them to elaborate on their thoughts.
Relate the book’s themes to real-life situations your child might encounter, making the conversation relevant and impactful.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to consider the feelings and motives of various characters.
Praise your child's insights and contributions to the discussion to encourage ongoing enthusiasm and confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: The protagonist, Indi Raye, learns that faking her personality to fit in at her new school creates more problems than it solves. Her journey highlights the complications and misunderstandings that arise from being dishonest.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value authenticity and see the benefits of being truthful with friends and in new social environments.
Example Lesson: The power of genuine friendships
Explanation: Throughout the book, Indi Raye discovers true friendship with peers who appreciate her for who she is, not who she pretends to be. This emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive friends.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of seeking and maintaining relationships that foster mutual respect and acceptance.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Indi faces various challenges throughout the book, from fitting into a new school to dealing with personal insecurities. Her growth in overcoming these obstacles showcases her resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and recognize their own inner strength in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: As Indi navigates her problems, she gradually learns to accept herself for who she is, rather than changing to please others. This culminates in a stronger self-identity and self-assurance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate their unique qualities and build a healthy self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Understanding the impact of actions on others
Explanation: Indi's experiences illuminate how her actions, while intended to protect her social standing, adversely affect those around her, teaching her to consider the feelings and perspectives of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by considering how their actions might affect others, promoting empathy and thoughtful decision-making.