The friends
Neddie & Friends Series
on Goodreads (586)
What’s inside...
Phyllisia Cathy is a West Indian whose family settles in New York. At school they call her names. Her mother is ill, and her father prefers Phyl's sister. Edith Jackson is the only girl who likes Phyl. But who would want Edith for a friend? It takes some time for Phyl to see another side to Edith, and why she is the best friend anyone could want. 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
196 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Phyllisia Cathy
Ruby Cathy
Edith Jackson
Loraine Cathy
Calvin Cathy
Discussion points
How did the actions of the friends in the book show what it means to be a good friend?
What would you have done differently if you were one of the characters in the story?
What was your favorite part of the story and why?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our neighborhood?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use reflective listening when discussing the story with your child, acknowledging their feelings and thoughts about the characters and events.
Relate the story to your child’s personal experiences by discussing similar situations they might have encountered and how they handled them.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or different scenarios within the book, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Highlight the moral or lesson of the story, and discuss with your child how this lesson can be applied in their own life.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book, then discuss what they liked best about that particular part.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The characters in 'The Friends' navigate challenges and celebrations together, showing that friends are important through all seasons of life.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their friends and understand the importance of supporting each other during both good times and bad.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story portrays characters putting themselves in each other's shoes, fostering a sense of empathy among them.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice empathy by noticing how their friends are feeling and offering kindness and support when needed.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving together
Explanation: Throughout the book, the group of friends are faced with various problems that they solve collectively, demonstrating the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to seek help from others and work collaboratively to overcome obstacles in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: The friends in the book all come from diverse backgrounds with unique perspectives, teaching respect for individual differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to embrace the uniqueness of each person they meet, understanding that everyone has something valuable to offer.
Example Lesson: Communicating effectively
Explanation: Effective communication is key to resolving conflicts in the story, as the friends learn to express themselves clearly and listen to others.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of talking about their thoughts and feelings openly and listening attentively to others.