Doppol - Trending books for kids

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What’s inside...

When Drew sees Cindy, it's love at first sight, but Cindy already has a boyfriend, the bully Carl Hickson. Drew feels he has to keep his feelings for Cindy secret to avoid any trouble with Carl, but how long can this last? When Drew sees Cindy, it's love at first sight. Then he discovers she has been thinking about him too, but she already has a boyfriend, the bully Carl Dickson. Drew knows he must keep quiet or face the anger of Carl. But is his secret love strong enough to survive?
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

12-18

Length

176 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

How did the characters in 'Secret Love' show their feelings for one another?
What do you think is the most important message of 'Secret Love'?
How would you have handled the challenges faced by the characters in the book?
What did you learn about trust and secrecy from 'Secret Love'?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to any of the characters in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, reassuring them that all perspectives are valued.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life situations in your child’s experience to deepen their understanding.
Discuss the characters’ decisions and actions and ask your child what they might have done differently, fostering critical thinking.
Highlight the book’s messages about friendship and empathy to nurture emotional intelligence.
Use examples from the book to talk about the importance of honesty and openness in relationships.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Secret Love', the protagonist learns to understand and share the feelings of another character who is going through a tough time.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing compassion toward their peers who may be facing difficulties, fostering a supportive community.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The characters in the book face various challenges but learn to overcome them through determination and courage.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that persistence is key to surmounting obstacles in school or personal life.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: The story shows the positive outcomes when the characters choose to be truthful in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of honesty in building trust and maintaining healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: Dealing with change
Explanation: The book navigates through characters adjusting to new environments and situations, promoting adaptability.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that change is a part of life and learning to adapt is crucial for personal growth.
Example Lesson: Understanding and expressing emotions
Explanation: Characters in 'Secret Love' deal with complex emotions which are expressed and resolved in a healthy manner.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify their own emotions and express them constructively in their interactions.

Secret Love by Sue Welford