Doppol - Smart Book Recommendations

#4 in The Baby-Sitters Club Series

Mallory's Christmas Wish

3.98
on Goodreads (560)

What’s inside...

Mallory can't wait for Christmas. She's sure it will be her best ever. But once the holidays start, things don't go the way Mallory planned. Will Christmas be ruined?

Why read this book

  • Celebrates themes of friendship and holiday spirit.
  • Enhances emotional understanding and empathy in children.
  • Encourages creativity through engaging narrative.
  • Provides a joyful, shared reading experience.

The Big Picture

  • Teaches kindness and giving spirit.
  • Encourages perseverance through challenges.
  • Ideal for discussing holiday season values.
  • Supports development of empathy and thoughtfulness.

Diversity & Representation

  • Celebrates varied cultural Christmas traditions and practices.
  • Includes diverse characters contributing to holiday spirit.
  • Highlights importance of inclusivity during festive seasons.
Book in series
#4
Age
9-12
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
intermediate

Character Compass

Discussion points

How do you think Mallory felt when her Christmas plans kept changing? Have you ever experienced something similar?
What are some ways Mallory showed kindness to others in the story? How can we show kindness during the holiday season?
Mallory had to make some tough decisions in the book. What would you have done in her place?
How did Mallory's family and friends help make her Christmas wish come true? Why is teamwork important during holidays?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing Mallory’s feelings, relate them to your child’s personal experiences of disappointment or change during special occasions.
Encourage your child to think about acts of kindness by discussing how small gestures can make a big impact, drawing parallels from the book.
Invite your child to consider different outcomes in the story by asking what they would do differently and discuss the value of different perspectives.
Highlight the importance of community and cooperation by pointing out how characters in the book helped each other, and discuss how your family can work together during the holidays.

What parents love

Heartwarming story, perfect for Christmas reading.
Teaches important values subtly, kids love it!
Engaging and meaningful, a new favorite in our house.
Beautiful illustrations complement the touching narrative.

Key Lessons

Example Lesson: The importance of empathy
Explanation: Mallory demonstrates empathy by understanding her friends' feelings and perspectives during holiday preparations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider others' feelings and viewpoints, helping them build stronger, more understanding relationships with their peers.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Mallory relies on her friends and they support each other through various holiday activities, showing the strength of their bond.
Real-World Application: By valuing friendships, children can learn to nurture and rely on their relationships, making them feel more secure and connected in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Mallory faces several challenges in preparing for Christmas and learns to solve them creatively and effectively with the help of her friends.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think critically and come up with solutions to obstacles they face, boosting their confidence and independence.
Example Lesson: Importance of inclusivity
Explanation: The book highlights how Mallory and her friends include everyone in their holiday celebrations, regardless of their backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of inclusiveness, ensuring that nobody feels left out, fostering a sense of community and belonging.