#4 in The Baby-Sitters Club Series
Mallory Hates Boys and Gym
1992 by
on Goodreads (1,202)
What’s inside...
The story revolves around a young girl named Mallory who starts junior high with her friend and faces challenges of school, gym class, and boys. As she navigates these obstacles, Mallory learns valuable lessons about friendship, self-confidence, and embracing change.
Why read this book
- Focuses on coping with feelings and relationships.
- Encourages understanding and empathy among young readers.
- Engaging narrative stimulates curiosity and discussion.
- Highlights importance of physical education and teamwork.
The Big Picture
- Navigates overcoming biases
- Promotes emotional intelligence
- Discusses gender stereotypes
- Encourages giving second chances
Diversity & Representation
- Features strong female protagonist challenging traditional gender roles.
- Addresses middle school social dynamics with diverse character perspectives.
- Promotes inclusivity and understanding through relatable conflicts and resolutions.
Book in series
#4
Age
9-12
Length
138 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
Why do you think Mallory feels the way she does about boys and gym class?
How does Mallory handle her feelings? Can you think of different ways she might deal with her frustrations?
What do you think about how Mallory's friends support her during these challenging times?
Have you ever been in a situation like Mallory’s? What did you do?
What did you learn from Mallory’s experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Relate the discussion to your child's experiences at school to foster a deeper connection with Mallory’s story.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and experiences openly, by sharing some of your own school stories.
Discuss the importance of friendship and support in overcoming challenges, using examples from the book and your child's life.
Highlight themes like empathy and understanding, asking your child how they can apply these in their daily interactions.
What parents love
Relatable characters, my daughter loved it!
Perfect blend of humor and life lessons.
Engaging story, kept my son interested till the end.
Addresses adolescence without overwhelming young minds.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Mallory Pike, the protagonist, learns to understand and share the feelings of others as she navigates her frustrations with boys and gym class.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by considering the feelings of their peers before acting, leading to more harmonious interactions at school and at home.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the book, Mallory faces various challenges at school but learns to overcome them through perseverance and self-confidence.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist in the face of difficulties, whether it be in their academic endeavors or personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Communication
Explanation: Mallory improves her situation by opening up about her struggles, demonstrating the importance of expressing oneself clearly and honestly.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of talking about their problems with trusted adults or friends, which can help resolve conflicts and reduce stress.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story shows Mallory working together with classmates in gym and other activities, highlighting the value of cooperation and mutual respect.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be mirrored in group projects or team sports, teaching kids how to collaborate effectively and support each other’s strengths.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Mallory learns to adjust her initial harsh judgments about boys and gym activities, learning to be more flexible and open-minded.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace change and new experiences in their own lives, aiding their social and academic growth.