Second Helpings
#2 of 5 in Jessica Darling Series
What’s inside...
Jessica Darling is facing the challenges of her senior year at Pineville High in this sequel to Sloppy Firsts. With her best friend Hope living in another state, the ongoing distraction of Marcus Flutie, and pressure from her parents and the Clueless Crew, Jessica navigates the social and emotional turmoil with her characteristic intelligence and wit. New characters, including a creative writing teacher and her straightforward grandmother Gladdie, join the familiar faces as Jessica seeks answers to her burning questions about love, friendship, and her future.
Character compass
Jessica Darling
Marcus Flutie
Discussion points
How do you think Jessica felt when she faced challenges in her relationships and decisions? Can you relate to her emotions?
Why is it important for Jessica to stay true to herself despite the pressure from others? What would you do in her place?
What lessons can we learn from Jessica's journey about friendship and loyalty?
How do the different characters influence Jessica's decisions and growth throughout the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s events, relating them to their own experiences.
Discuss the consequences of the characters' actions and decisions, emphasizing moral and ethical considerations.
Highlight the importance of resilience and self-discovery, encouraging your child to share personal instances of growth and learning.
Use examples from the book to discuss the impact of peer pressure and the importance of individuality.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Personal growth and self-discovery
Explanation: The protagonist’s journey through various challenges and experiences teaches the importance of self-discovery and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace their individuality and pursue personal interests and goals, understanding that growth is a continuous process.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Decision Making
Explanation: The book showcases the protagonist making critical decisions that affect her future, emphasizing the consequences of choices.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to think critically about their decisions and understand the responsibility that comes with making choices.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The interactions and relationships between characters highlight the importance of supportive friendships and their impact.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the importance of cultivating and maintaining genuine friendships and being supportive friends themselves.
Example Lesson: Handling Challenges
Explanation: The protagonist deals with various personal and academic challenges, illustrating resilience and adaptive strategies.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to develop resilience and adaptability when facing their own challenges in everyday life.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Characters in the story learn valuable lessons from situations where honesty, or the lack thereof, plays a crucial role in the outcome.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to practice honesty in their daily interactions and understand the positive effects of being truthful.