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This Night Is Ours

3.69
on Goodreads (226)

What’s inside...

For one teen girl, the summer before college brings uncertainty about the future, familial pressure, and a budding romance-perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon!It's the longest day of the year, and eighteen-year-old Brandy Bailey has just received the worst news of her life: She's been accepted to a top nursing school, making her mother overwhelmingly proud.The thing is, Brandy wants to be an artist. She knows all the risks of chasing her dream. She's heard them from her mother over and over.On top of that, Brandy's annoying classmate from high school, the startlingly handsome Ben Nolan, is catching his far-fetched dream of being an actor. Why does he get to be fearless while she has to be practical? Ben is the last thing Brandy wants on her mind, so of course today is the day he decides to glue himself to her hip. Now his perfect face is right there in the cacophony crashing through her head.Spinning in too many directions, Brandy's emotions clash with the flashing lights at the town's summer carnival. Can she have one extraordinary night before everything changes?
Age

11-12

Length

336 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

How did the feelings of the characters change throughout the story and why do you think that happened?
What was your favorite part of the night described in the book, and why?
If you could add one more event to their night, what would it be and why?
How do you think the characters felt about each other at the end of the night?
What would you do if you had a night just like the one in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, showing genuine interest in their perspectives.
Relate themes or scenes from the book to your child's own experiences, such as a special night or a memorable event, to deepen their connection to the story.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or additional adventures for the characters, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Discuss the importance of friendship and shared experiences, as depicted in the book, to nurture empathy and social skills.
Use expressive reading techniques, such as varying your tone and volume, to make the story come alive and maintain your child's engagement.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: This Night Is Ours showcases a diverse set of characters, promoting inclusivity and understanding among different cultures.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect people from various backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive community at school and in neighborhood playgroups.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights the deep bond between the main characters, demonstrating how true friends support and uplift each other during challenging times.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to build and maintain strong, supportive friendships, which can provide emotional support and enhance their social skills.
Example Lesson: Courage to Overcome Fears
Explanation: Characters in the book face their fears during an adventurous night, showing bravery and growth.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to confront their own fears, whether it's trying out for a team, standing up in class, or sleeping alone in the dark, thereby building their confidence and resilience.
Example Lesson: Importance of Imagination
Explanation: The imaginative journey the characters undertake illustrates the power of creativity and dreaming big.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in creative play and daydreaming, which aids in cognitive development and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through the interactions among the characters, the book conveys the importance of being empathetic and understanding other people's feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to be empathetic towards their peers, which can lead to more harmonious interactions at home and at school.

This Night Is Ours by Ronni Davis