Nikki and Deja: Nikki and Deja, Book One (Nikki and Deja, 1)
#1 of 6 in Nikki & Deja Series
What’s inside...
Meet Nikki and Deja, best friends and neighbors, who share many activities together in their third-grade class. When a new girl arrives at school, Nikki and Deja decide to form an exclusive club that leaves her out. However, the outcome of their actions leads to unexpected results. This chapter book explores the delights and challenges of elementary school life, focusing on friendships and social dynamics with humor and insight.
Discussion points
How did Nikki and Deja's friendship change throughout the story? What events influenced their relationship?
What are some ways Nikki and Deja showed they cared for each other, despite the challenges they faced?
How do you think you would handle a situation similar to the one Nikki and Deja experienced at school?
What did you learn about resolving conflicts from Nikki and Deja’s experiences?
If you could give advice to Nikki or Deja, what would you say to them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on their own friendships and compare them with Nikki and Deja’s. Ask what similarities and differences they see.
Discuss the significance of communication in friendships. Highlight moments in the book where communication was key to resolving conflicts.
Foster empathy by asking your child how they think Nikki and Deja felt during key moments in the story. Encourage them to explain their reasoning.
Use examples from the book to teach your child about the importance of understanding and forgiveness in friendships.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Nikki and Deja explores the dynamics of the friendship between two young girls, showcasing how they navigate ups and downs together.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of loyalty and support in friendships, which is essential for building strong, healthy relationships in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Conflict resolution
Explanation: The book addresses conflicts that arise between the characters and how they work towards resolving their differences.
Real-World Application: This can teach children how to effectively communicate and solve problems with peers, fostering a cooperative and harmonious environment in school and at play.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through the experiences of Nikki and Deja, readers see the importance of understanding different perspectives and showing empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and respect the feelings and views of others, enhancing their emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of community
Explanation: The story illustrates how the characters' school and neighborhood play roles in their lives, highlighting the support systems outside of the family.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and engage with their own communities, helping them realize the role of communal support in personal growth.