Sorry, Bestie
on Goodreads (22)
What’s inside...
Fifteen-year-old Lacy is a ninth grader at a Christian school, dealing with the complexities of adolescence, including a secret crush and navigating friendships. As the new school year begins, Lacy finds herself feeling more isolated and facing bullies. Determined to persevere, she tries to stay strong in front of her crush and fit in, despite feeling left out by her peers. When bullies target a new student who becomes her friend, Lacy is faced with a tough decision: remain silent or stand up for her friend and potentially lose her, as she had in the past. Throughout the challenges, Lacy learns to find strength in herself and discovers the importance of standing up to bullies.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-18
Length
188 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters in the story show forgiveness to each other?
Why do you think saying 'sorry' was important in the story?
Can you think of a time when you had to forgive a friend? How did it make you feel?
What could the characters have done differently in the story to avoid making mistakes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by discussing a personal story where you had to apologize or forgive someone, which makes the topic more relatable.
Ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene where the characters are showing kindness or forgiveness.
Encourage your child to think about the feelings of the characters, asking how they might feel in similar situations.
Acknowledge any related feelings your child expresses, validating their thoughts and emotions as you discuss.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of apologizing
Explanation: The story follows the main character as they navigate a misunderstanding with a friend, ultimately learning to express remorse to mend the relationship.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of acknowledging their mistakes and the positive impact of saying sorry to resolve conflicts in friendships and other social interactions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others' feelings
Explanation: As the protagonist interacts with their friend, they start to understand and empathize with their friend's feelings, fostering a deeper connection.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider others' emotions in real-life situations, helping them to build more empathetic relationships with peers and family members.
Example Lesson: Communication is key to resolving issues
Explanation: The book highlights how open and honest conversation can prevent misunderstandings and strengthen friendships.
Real-World Application: Kids are taught to express their thoughts and feelings clearly and listen attentively to others, which is crucial for effective communication in daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Forgiveness and reconciliation
Explanation: After the apology, the story shows how both friends work towards forgiving each other and rebuilding their friendship.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of forgiveness, encouraging them to move past conflicts and continue to cherish their relationships.