Stella's Brave Voice
The Stella & Paige Series
What’s inside...
Twin sisters, Stella and Paige, have always had different communication styles, with Paige often speaking for the quieter Stella. Stella has been content with this arrangement until she suddenly feels the need to express herself. As Stella navigates finding her own voice, she worries about how it will affect her relationship with Paige and whether it will hurt her sister's feelings.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-10
Length
39 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Stella feel brave in the story?
Can you think of a time when you had to use your voice to stand up for yourself or someone else?
How do you think Stella's friends felt when she spoke up?
Why is it important to have friends who support you like Stella's did?
What would you do if you were in Stella's situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by summarizing the story with your child to ensure they understand the main events and characters.
Allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, affirming their responses to build confidence.
Share a personal story where you had to be brave, making a connection between your experiences and Stella’s.
Encourage your child to think about how they can apply Stella’s bravery to their own life at school or with friends.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses and insights during the discussion to encourage further engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage to speak up
Explanation: Stella, the protagonist, faces a situation where she must overcome her fear of speaking in front of her class. Through various supportive interactions, she learns to find her brave voice.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to express themselves confidently in class or during group activities, encouraging them to share their thoughts and opinions.
Example Lesson: Support from friends
Explanation: The story shows Stella receiving encouragement and advice from her friends which helps her overcome her fears.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of friendship and seeking support during challenging times. It encourages them to help others and accept help when needed.
Example Lesson: Preparation and practice
Explanation: Stella practices her speech multiple times, which ultimately helps her to speak confidently when it matters.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of preparation and practice before any important event, be it a school presentation, a sports match, or a music recital.
Example Lesson: Accepting and learning from mistakes
Explanation: In the story, Stella falters initially but learns from the experience rather than giving up.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of resilience and learning from setbacks, teaching children to persevere and improve.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters in the book show empathy towards Stella’s fears, which helps her feel understood and less alone.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be empathetic towards others' feelings and fears, fostering a supportive and understanding environment both at home and school.