The Boy Free Zone
on Goodreads (25)
What’s inside...
Fifteen-year-old Annabel 'Barbie Brain' Bairstow and her best friend Lucy are facing the long summer holiday without enthusiasm. What's the use of being the best-looking girls in town when there are no boys to notice them? Then Sebastian appears. Seventeen years old, handsome, self-confident, Sebastian is the son of local businessman Frank Houseman, a close friend of Annabel's mother. Brought up in America by his aunt and uncle, Sebastian is visiting England for the first time. His sudden arrival has the impact of a bombshell on the boy-free zone. Already trying to come to terms with her parents' divorce, Annabel finds herself confronted by some alarming surprises. Perhaps most surprising of all, though, is the discovery of the power that lies in her own hands.
Age
10-14
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters in 'The Boy Free Zone' show support for each other? What can we learn from that?
What changes did you notice in the main character from the beginning to the end of the story?
How do you think the 'boy-free zone' helped the girls in the story? Do you think it’s important to have spaces like that?
Why do you think the author chose to set the story in an all-girls environment? How does it change the story?
If you could give advice to any of the characters, what would you say?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story's events, emphasizing that all opinions are valid. Ask questions that help them relate the story to their own experiences, fostering a deeper personal connection. Highlight the growth of the characters and discuss the importance of support systems and safe spaces, drawing parallels to your child’s own life. Use examples from the story to talk about friendship, resilience, and self-confidence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: In 'The Boy Free Zone,' the diverse cast of characters demonstrates the richness of embracing various cultures and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect individuals from different backgrounds, promoting inclusivity in their own social interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights the value of true friendship through the support and loyalty the characters display towards each other.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of building and maintaining supportive relationships, which can provide emotional security and belonging.
Example Lesson: Conflict Resolution
Explanation: Characters in the book face and resolve conflicts, providing a model for constructive communication and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these conflict resolution strategies during disagreements with peers, fostering a healthier social environment.
Example Lesson: Growth Mindset
Explanation: The protagonist experiences failures but learns from them, illustrating the concept of a growth mindset.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to see challenges as opportunities for growth, enhancing resilience and persistence in their personal and academic endeavors.
Example Lesson: Self-Expression and Identity
Explanation: The book encourages characters to express themselves and discover their own identities.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to explore and express their own unique traits and interests, which is crucial for their development and self-esteem.