My Best Friend's Boyfriend
#6 in Sweet Sixteen Series
on Goodreads (163)
What’s inside...
'Grease is the word' in this Sweet Sixteen story! Mary-Kate and Ashley are working on a school production of Grease, but encounter numerous challenges including ruined sets, costume disasters, and a leading actor with dyslexia struggling with the script. Mary-Kate, as VP of the drama club, is determined to make the show a success despite the setbacks. Meanwhile, Ashley faces emotional turmoil when she encounters her ex-boyfriend Ben, who is now dating her friend Lauren, causing her to question her feelings. As the production night approaches, they must navigate personal dilemmas and professional obstacles to ensure the show goes on.
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when she faced challenges in the story? Can you share a time when you felt the same way?
What do you think makes someone a good friend? Did the characters in the book show these qualities?
How did the characters' relationships change throughout the story? What caused these changes?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character's situation?
What did you learn from how the characters resolved their conflicts?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts about the book's themes and asking your child what stood out to them. Use open-ended questions to encourage deeper thinking and connection to personal experiences. Highlight the importance of understanding and empathy in relationships, as portrayed in the book. Validate your child's feelings and perspectives to foster an environment of trust and openness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Empathy
Explanation: The story showcases the protagonist's journey of understanding her friend's feelings and perspectives, especially when dealing with complex emotions surrounding relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider the feelings and viewpoints of others, leading to more empathetic interactions in school and at home.
Example Lesson: Respecting Boundaries
Explanation: The book delves into the importance of respecting personal boundaries within friendships and romantic relationships, highlighting the significance of communication.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children with the understanding to establish and respect boundaries in their interactions, fostering healthier relationships.
Example Lesson: Navigating Friendships
Explanation: The complexities of friendships are explored, especially when external factors like romantic interests come into play, teaching children about loyalty and conflict resolution.
Real-World Application: Children learn strategies to maintain friendships even when challenges arise, helping them manage social situations effectively.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: Characters in the book face consequences for dishonesty, teaching readers the value of being truthful in maintaining trust within relationships.
Real-World Application: Instills a principle of honesty in children which aids in building lasting, trustful relationships in their lives.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Jealousy
Explanation: The emotion of jealousy is addressed as characters navigate their feelings in a healthy way, showing the importance of addressing negative emotions constructively.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and articulate feelings of jealousy, understanding how to manage them without harming their relationships.