#5 in Judy Moody Series
Judy Moody MD: The Doctor is In!
2004 by
on Goodreads (6,196)
What’s inside...
In this installment of the Judy Moody series, Judy gets interested in medicine after a field trip to the hospital. She begins diagnosing her classmates with rare diseases and even practises surgery (on stuffed animals) in her backyard operating theatre.
Why read this book
- Inspires careers in medicine through playful storytelling.
- Encourages resilience and perseverance among young readers.
- Strengthens reading skills and medical vocabulary.
- Enhances empathy and caring for others.
The Big Picture
- Encourages exploration and curiosity in children.
- Highlights the importance of empathy and helping others.
- Promotes perseverance through challenges and setbacks.
Diversity & Representation
- Introduces diverse characters, fostering inclusive perspectives.
- Features strong female protagonist breaking gender stereotypes.
- Promotes appreciation of different careers and roles.
Book in series
#5
Age
6-9
Length
151 pages
Text complexity
developing
Character Compass
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make Judy a good doctor in this story?
How do Judy's emotions and actions change throughout the book, and why do you think they change?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone like Judy does in the story?
What did you learn about doctors and medicine from reading this book?
If you were in Judy's place, what medical problem would you want to solve and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the relationship between Judy's hobbies and her dream of becoming a doctor, discussing how personal interests can influence career choices.
Ask your child how they felt during key moments in the book to foster empathy and understanding of the characters' experiences.
Connect Judy’s experiences to real-life by discussing any visits to doctors or hospitals, emphasizing the importance and roles of medical professionals.
Use Judy’s adventures as a starting point to explore the various specialties within medicine, perhaps looking up information together about what different doctors do.
What parents love
Engaging and educational for young readers.
Perfect balance of fun and informative content.
Addresses medical themes with sensitivy and humor.
Inspires curiosity about science and professions.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: Judy Moody sets her sights on becoming a doctor and relentlessly pursues her goal throughout the book, never letting setbacks discourage her.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and dedication towards achieving their dreams, which can be applied in school and extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and caring
Explanation: Throughout her adventures in medical pursuits, Judy demonstrates compassion and empathy towards those who are sick or in need of help.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more considerate and understanding towards their peers, fostering a supportive and caring environment.
Example Lesson: Learning is a continual process
Explanation: Judy’s experiences show that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom but through everyday activities and trying new things.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and learn from their surroundings, promoting a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Judy often collaborates with her friends and family to solve problems and achieve her goals, highlighting the importance of working together.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperation and helps them develop better social skills in collaborative settings.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: As Judy navigates her way through various challenges in her quest to becoming a 'doctor,' she uses critical thinking and creativity to find solutions.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think creatively and logically when faced with their own obstacles.