Judy Moody and the Bad Luck Charm
#11 of 15 in Judy Moody Series
What’s inside...
Judy Moody is having a streak of bad luck and is convinced that her good luck charm has turned sour. In an attempt to reverse her fortunes, Judy goes to great lengths, even testing the limits of her usual superstitions. Her journey involves a lucky penny, which she hopes will lead her to good fortune in Washington, D.C. However, amidst unexpected victories, the magic of her lucky penny seems to fail, plunging Judy into a series of unlucky events involving a spelling bee rival, a squealing potbellied pig, and a series of calamities.
Discussion points
What do you think Judy learned about luck and hard work in this story?
How did Judy’s attitude change throughout the book, and why do you think it changed?
If you had a lucky charm like Judy, what adventures or challenges would you want it to help you with?
What are some ways Judy shows friendship in the book? How do you show friendship in your life?
How do you think the story would be different if Judy didn't have her lucky charm?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions Judy feels throughout her adventures, helping your child connect emotionally with the story.
Discuss personal experiences related to luck and effort, drawing parallels to Judy's experiences to deepen understanding.
After reading, ask your child to draw or describe their own 'lucky charm' and talk about what makes it special to them.
Encourage your child to predict what might happen next after crucial moments in the story, enhancing their anticipation and engagement.
Share your perspectives on the characters and ask your child what they think, promoting critical thinking and personal opinion formation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: Judy faces various challenges and setbacks while believing she has a lucky charm, but learns to keep trying regardless of the circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children learn that setbacks are a part of life and the importance of persisting and staying positive even when things don’t go their way.
Example Lesson: Understanding luck and reality
Explanation: Throughout the story, Judy learns that her 'bad luck' isn’t caused by a charm but by her choices and random events.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to understand the role of personal responsibility in their outcomes, and that attributing every mishap to luck might not be accurate.
Example Lesson: Value of true friendship
Explanation: Judy realizes that her friends support her not because of any supposed luck but because they care about her, highlighting the value of genuine relationships.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and nurture their friendships based on mutual respect and affection, rather than what they can gain from them.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Judy employs various strategies to deal with her supposed streak of bad luck, showcasing active problem-solving.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to think critically and creatively to find solutions to their problems, rather than feeling helpless.
Example Lesson: Perspective taking
Explanation: Judy learns to see situations from others’ points of view, understanding that her actions affect them too.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop empathy, allowing them to build stronger and more understanding relationships with others.