Lottie Brooks's Totally Disastrous School-Trip
#4 of 6 in Lottie Brooks Series
on Goodreads (1,095)
What’s inside...
The book follows the character Lottie Brooks as she embarks on a school trip that turns out to be full of unexpected events and mishaps. Lottie navigates the challenges of school life, friendships, and the often-comical trials of adolescence. Lottie Brooks continues to navigate the many perils of growing up in this fantastically funny illustrated series for a 9-12 audience, filled with friendship, embarrassing moments and plenty of lols. After a summer of meeting handsome French boys and getting sunburnt, Lottie heads off on a week-long residential school trip. However, the trip soon turns into a disaster as she deals with mean girls, changes in friendships, and a stolen diary, causing plenty of drama and laughter along the way.
Discussion points
What do you think Lottie felt during her school trip? Can you relate to her experience?
How did Lottie handle the challenges she faced? What would you have done differently in her situation?
What role do Lottie’s friends play in her adventures? How important do you think friendships are during school trips?
What is the funniest moment in the book for you, and why?
If you could give Lottie one piece of advice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing a personal anecdote about your own school trips to set a relatable tone.
Encourage your child to express their emotions by asking them how different events in the book made them feel.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and friendship in overcoming difficulties, drawing parallels to the book’s events.
Use humor to keep the conversation light and engaging, especially by focusing on the book’s comedic elements.
Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to encourage your child to think deeply about the story and its characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'Lottie Brooks's Totally Disastrous School-Trip,' Lottie and her friends navigate various challenges together, demonstrating the importance of cooperation and support.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to work collaboratively with their peers in school projects or during group activities, understanding that teamwork can lead to better solutions and a more enjoyable experience.
Example Lesson: Facing fears and overcoming challenges
Explanation: Lottie confronts her fears during the school trip, which serves as a crucial turning point in the story. This shows readers that it's normal to be scared, but facing fears is part of growth.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to approach new or intimidating situations, such as trying out for a sports team or speaking in public, with courage and resilience.
Example Lesson: The importance of responsibility
Explanation: Lottie learns to take responsibility for her actions during the trip, which impacts her relationships and how she views herself.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking ownership of their actions, whether it's admitting a mistake or fulfilling commitments like homework or chores.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: Through interactions with classmates who are different from her, Lottie gains insights into different perspectives, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: This promotes understanding and tolerance among children, helping them to build respectful and supportive relationships with diverse peers.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book showcases Lottie and her friends solving unexpected problems during their trip, highlighting strategic thinking and adaptability.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply problem-solving skills in everyday situations, helping them to navigate obstacles and think critically about possible solutions.