The Friendship Code: Girls Who Code
#1 of 7 in Girls Who Code Series
on Goodreads (801)
What’s inside...
A New York Times bestseller! Perfect for fans of The Babysitters Club and anyone interested in computer science, this series is published in partnership with the organization Girls Who Code. Loops, variables, input/output - Lucy can't wait to get started with the new coding club at school. Finally, an after school activity that she's really interested in. But Lucy's excitement turns to disappointment when she's put into a work group with girls she barely knows. All she wanted to do was make an app that she believes will help someone very special to her. Suddenly, Lucy begins to get cryptic coding messages and needs some help translating them. She soon discovers that coding - and friendship - takes time, dedication, and some laughs!
Discussion points
What did you think about the challenges the characters faced in the story? How would you handle a similar situation?
How do the characters in 'The Friendship Code' demonstrate teamwork? Can you think of a time when you worked well as part of a team?
Why do you think learning to code is important for the girls in the book? How does it help them solve problems?
What did you learn about friendship from this story? What qualities do you think make a good friend?
How do the characters grow throughout the book? Which character do you relate to the most, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book's themes like friendship and teamwork, which can encourage your child to open up.
Ask your child to relate the challenges faced by the characters to their personal experiences, thereby fostering a deeper personal connection to the story.
Encourage your child to think about how the skills learned by the characters, such as coding, can be applied to their own life.
Discuss the different characters and their actions in the book, prompting your child to think about what they could learn from each character.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of persistence and learning from mistakes, emphasizing these as part of the growth process.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The main characters in 'The Friendship Code' work together to solve coding puzzles and challenges, showcasing the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities at school or in clubs, learning how to cooperate and value each other's input to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book emphasizes the process of debugging code which mirrors solving real-life problems step by step, encouraging a methodical approach to challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children tackle homework or any difficult situation they encounter by breaking it down into more manageable parts and finding logical solutions.
Example Lesson: Empowerment through learning
Explanation: As the characters in the book enhance their coding skills, they gain confidence and empowerment, showcasing how acquiring new skills can lead to personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to learn new skills, be it in technology or any other field, understanding that knowledge expands their capabilities and confidence.
Example Lesson: Importance of mentorship
Explanation: The book highlights how older students and adults help guide the younger characters through their coding journey, illustrating the value of mentors.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to seek guidance from teachers, family members, or coaches who can provide support and wisdom in various aspects of their lives.
Example Lesson: Gender inclusivity in STEM
Explanation: ‘The Friendship Code’ focuses on girls excelling in coding, a typically male-dominated field, promoting gender inclusivity and encouraging girls to pursue STEM.
Real-World Application: This lesson can motivate girls to engage in science and technology education and activities, fostering a sense of belonging and possibility in these fields.