The Four Take on Fifth
What’s inside...
Four best friends, Becca, Meera, Lyn, and Drew, are entering fifth grade, each with their own unique interests and personality traits. Despite their differences, they are committed to supporting each other and making the most of the year. However, they each face individual challenges and must learn to find strength and confidence within themselves while maintaining their friendships. With courage, kindness, and support from friends and family, they can navigate the difficulties of fifth grade.
Discussion points
What do you think are the main challenges the four friends face on Fifth Avenue, and how do they work together to overcome them?
How did the setting of Fifth Avenue influence the events of the story? Can you imagine the story happening in a different place?
Each character has unique traits. Which character do you relate to the most and why?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of their adventure?
If you were to add another character to the group, what qualities would they have and how would they contribute to the group?
Tip: Role play these questions
Pause at suspenseful moments and ask your child to predict what might happen next, helping them think ahead and engage with the plot.
Discuss each character's decisions and actions, asking your child what they would have done differently in the same situations.
After reading the book, encourage your child to draw a scene or a new character that could fit into the story, helping them use their imagination and creativity related to the story's themes.
Connect the story to real-life experiences by discussing times when your child had to work with others to solve a problem, linking the book's themes to personal growth and development.
Ask your child to summarize the book to a family member who hasn't read it, promoting their ability to recall and articulate the story's key points.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'The Four Take on Fifth,' the group of friends work together to solve the mystery of the missing playground ball. Each character contributes their unique skills and perspectives to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others to accomplish tasks, which is vital in school projects and family responsibilities.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters face various challenges and obstacles that require critical thinking and decision-making to navigate.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to approach their own challenges methodically, enhancing their ability to think critically and solve problems efficiently in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: The diverse group of friends in the story showcases how differences in background, abilities, and viewpoints can enrich interactions and lead to better outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and respect individual differences, which is crucial for fostering inclusive environments at school and in their communities.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: When faced with the unknown, the characters show bravery by confronting their fears. This is evident when they decide to explore the mysterious part of the playground.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to face their fears and uncertainties, whether it's trying out for a new sport, standing up to a bully, or dealing with a new experience.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: The book promotes honesty through its plotline where the truth about the missing ball is uncovered, emphasizing the negative repercussions of dishonesty.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of being truthful in their daily interactions and the impact it has on trust and relationships.