Red, White & True Blue Mallory
#11 of 28 in Mallory Series
What’s inside...
Mallory's journal of her fourth-grade trip to Washington D.C. reveals how much fun she has, despite a loose tooth, being upset with her best friend Mary Ann and getting separated from her class in a museum. Mallory is in Washington, D.C., with her fourth grade class. She can't wait to see the famous monuments and museums. But from the moment she sets foot in the nation's capital, there's one thing she doesn't see much of . . . her best friend. Mary Ann is spending so much time with the new boy in their class, she's forgotten all about being partners with Mallory. And when Mallory wanders off to wiggle her loose tooth, her tooth isn't the only thing that is lost! Will Mallory's trip to Washington turn out to be one she'll always remember or something she'd rather forget?
Discussion points
How did Mallory feel when she moved to a new place? Have you ever felt the same way?
Mallory made new friends in England but also kept her old friends. How do you think she managed that?
What are some ways Mallory explored and adapted to her new environment? Can you think of a time you had to adapt?
Mallory learns a lot about herself throughout the book. What are some important lessons she learned? What lessons have you learned recently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about moving or making new friends, relating them to Mallory’s experiences.
Discuss the importance of maintaining old friendships while being open to new ones, using Mallory’s story as a reference point.
Prompt your child to talk about how they adapt to new situations and compare with Mallory’s adventures and challenges in the book.
Explore themes of self-discovery and growth with your child, asking them to relate personal experiences similar to Mallory’s learning moments.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Mallory uses strong ties of friendship to navigate her fourth grade experiences, showcasing how friends can share, support, and overcome challenges together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by building trusting relationships with peers, learning to solve conflicts amicably and understanding the value of emotional support.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: Through Mallory’s school project on the American flag, children are introduced to different cultural perspectives and the importance of respecting diverse backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Kids can embrace inclusivity by engaging in cultural activities, asking questions about different traditions, and showing respect for various cultural expressions they encounter in daily life.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Mallory faces various tasks that she must manage responsibly, whether it’s handling her school project or dealing with her friendships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take responsibility for their actions and duties in their everyday tasks like homework, chores, or maintaining friendships.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The book portrays Mallory solving problems that arise during her project and interpersonal relationships, emphasizing solution-oriented approaches.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach hurdles with a calm and planned mindset, enhancing their ability to navigate schoolwork and personal challenges effectively.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Mallory demonstrates resilience when faced with setbacks and challenges throughout the story, teaching readers to persevere.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children in developing a resilient attitude towards academic challenges or social setbacks, encouraging them to try again even after failures.