The Friends
Neddie & Friends Series
on Goodreads (587)
What’s inside...
Edith always got to school late, with her clothes unpressed and her holey stockings bagging round her legs. She acted friendly, but Phyllisia didn't want her for a friend - though, in this hostile city of New York, she badly needed one. Then came the dreadful day when Phyllisia got into a fight. Phyllisia eventually recognizes that her own selfish pride rather than her mother's death and her father's tyrannical behavior created the gulf between her and her best friend.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-17
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Phyllisia Cathy
Edith Jackson
Ruby Cathy
Mrs. Cathy
Calvin Cathy
Discussion points
How do the characters in 'The Friends' deal with challenges and changes in their lives? What can we learn from them?
What role does friendship play in the story? How do the friendships impact the characters' feelings and actions?
In what ways do the characters show strength and resilience? Can you think of a time when you had to be strong?
How do the settings in the book affect the story? How would the story change if it took place somewhere else?
What do you think is the main message of 'The Friends'? How does this message apply to your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Foster an open dialogue by sharing your own experiences related to the themes of friendship, change, and resilience.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s events and characters, validating their thoughts as part of the discussion.
Connect the story's themes to real-life situations your child may encounter, enhancing their understanding and empathy.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next after a pivotal moment in the story, engaging their imagination and critical thinking skills.
Highlight passages that effectively portray emotion or conflict, and discuss why these might be powerful or relatable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: In 'The Friends,' the protagonist, Phyllisia, learns the true meaning of friendship through her relationship with Edith, overcoming initial judgements and social barriers.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture friendships with peers who may be different from them, fostering inclusivity and empathy.
Example Lesson: Coping with adversity
Explanation: The story highlights how Phyllisia deals with personal and family challenges, helping readers see the strength in resilience and adaptability.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that facing difficulties is a part of life and that they possess the inner strength to overcome them.
Example Lesson: The importance of self-acceptance
Explanation: As Phyllisia struggles with her identity and acceptance in a new environment, her journey towards self-acceptance is a crucial theme.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of embracing who they are, regardless of external pressures or changes in their environment.
Example Lesson: Consequences of judgment
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face consequences due to misjudgments based on appearances and stereotypes.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be mindful of how they perceive others and encourages a more thoughtful, understanding approach towards diverse individuals.
Example Lesson: Empowerment through education
Explanation: Education plays a transformative role in the characters' lives, especially for Phyllisia, who finds her voice and place through her educational experiences.
Real-World Application: Highlighting the importance of education can motivate children to pursue learning passionately, understanding its role in personal development and empowerment.