Sleepovers
#1 in Sleepover Series
What’s inside...
Sleepovers is a story about a young girl named Daisy who is new in school and is worried about fitting in. She makes friends with four other girls, and they each take turns hosting sleepovers for their birthdays. The story follows the girls as they prepare for each sleepover and navigate the ups and downs of their friendships, including dealing with a bully named Chloe. Daisy is anxious about her turn to host a sleepover because her sister is disabled, and she fears what her friends might think. The story is both a superb handling of both the complexities of young, female friendship, and the joys and problems of having a sister with learning disabilities.
Discussion points
How did the story of 'Sleepovers' make you feel about friendship and including others?
What would you do if you were in Daisy's situation? How would you handle feeling different?
Why do you think the author chose to make Daisy's sister special? How does that affect the story?
Which character in the book would you like to be friends with and why?
If you could plan your own sleepover, what fun activities would you include to make sure everyone feels welcome?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story's events and characters. Listen actively without interrupting.
Discuss the importance of inclusivity and friendship as portrayed in the book, relating them to your child's real-life experiences.
Use examples from the book to talk about overcoming challenges and the value of understanding different perspectives.
Suggest your child imagines hosting their own inclusive sleepover, discussing what activities and games they would choose.
After discussing each question, relate their answers back to personal experiences or family values to deepen the connection with the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Sleepovers', characters navigate different family dynamics and personal challenges, fostering empathy among them and the readers.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect the differences among their peers, helping them nurture more inclusive friendships.
Example Lesson: Coping with Disabilities
Explanation: One of the characters, Daisy, has a sister with a disability, which is depicted with sensitivity and realism, teaching children about acceptance and resilience.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand and support peers who might be differently-abled, fostering a supportive community environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters learn the value of honesty as they interact with each other and face various minor conflicts.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to practice honesty in their daily interactions, leading to healthier and more trusting relationships.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Bullying
Explanation: The story addresses the issue of bullying through its characters and how they overcome this challenge collectively.
Real-World Application: Teaches children strategies for dealing with bullying, either by seeking help from adults or supporting each other as friends.