Junie B. Jones Series
Junie B. Jones Series
What’s inside...
Barbara Park's New York Times bestselling chapter book series, Junie B. Jones, has been a favorite in classrooms and has entertained children for over 20 years with more than 60 million copies printed. The series follows the humorous adventures of Junie B. Jones, a kindergartner who brings laughter and a unique perspective to everyday situations. The first book in the series explores Junie B.'s initial fear of school, specifically the school bus and the other children, which leads her to an unexpected decision. Praised by USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Time for its fun and relatable storytelling, Junie B. Jones continues to be beloved by young readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
90 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the choices Junie B. Jones made in the story? What would you have done differently?
How do Junie B.'s experiences at school compare to yours? What things are similar or different?
Junie B. has many feelings throughout the series. Can you describe a time when you felt the same way as her?
What do you think about how Junie B. handles problems? Can you think of other ways she might solve them?
Why do you think Junie B. Jones is a popular character among children? What makes her relatable?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings about Junie B.'s adventures, highlighting that their thoughts are valued. Draw parallels between the story and your child’s daily experiences to make the conversation relevant. Ask them to imagine alternative endings or solutions to Junie B.'s dilemmas, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. Use the humor in the series as a way to enjoy and share laughter together, making reading a fun and bonding activity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Junie B. demonstrates the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions throughout the series. For instance, when she loses her mittens or forgets her homework, she learns to deal with the consequences and tries to do better.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to own up to their mistakes and understand that actions have consequences, encouraging them to be more accountable in everyday situations such as schoolwork or house chores.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Junie B. often finds herself in situations where she has to understand the perspectives of her friends and classmates. This reflection helps her to navigate social dynamics more thoughtfully.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop empathy towards others' feelings and viewpoints, which is crucial in forging strong and supportive relationships with peers.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Throughout the series, Junie B. faces various fears, like starting kindergarten or visiting the dentist. Each time, she manages to find the courage to face these challenges head-on.
Real-World Application: Children learn to confront their own fears and anxieties, understanding that it's okay to be scared and that bravery can be cultivated over time.
Example Lesson: Honesty
Explanation: Junie B. learns valuable lessons about the importance of honesty, especially when her tendency to exaggerate or fib leads to misunderstandings or trouble.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of being truthful and the impact that honesty can have on building trust and integrity in relationships.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Junie B. transitions through different school years and faces many new experiences, learning to adapt to changes and new environments.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of being flexible and learning to thrive in new or unfamiliar situations, a skill that is vital for lifelong resilience.