We Will Rock Our Classmates: Penelope Rex
#2 of 4 in Penelope Rex Series
on Goodreads (2,485)
What’s inside...
Readers will twist and shout for this headbanging companion to the #1 New York Times best-selling We Don't Eat Our Classmates. Penelope is a T. rex, and she's very good at it. She also likes to rock out on guitar! With the school talent show coming up, Penelope can't wait to perform for her classmates. But sharing who you are can be show-stoppingly scary, especially when it's not what people expect. Will Penelope get by with a little help from her friends?
Discussion points
How do you think Penelope felt when her classmates were scared of her? Have you ever felt misunderstood like that?
What do you think about Penelope's talent show performance? What would you perform if you were in a talent show?
Why is it important to support and cheer for our friends, like Penelope's classmates did for her?
How can we be a good friend to someone who feels left out or different?
What did you learn from the story about being yourself?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by talking about Penelope's feeling of not fitting in, relate it to any of your child’s experiences of feeling different or misunderstood.
Discuss Penelope’s interests and hobbies, prompting your child to talk about what they love doing and why. It could foster a deeper connection to Penelope’s character.
Encourage your child to think about times they supported a friend or received support, reinforcing the themes of friendship and acceptance.
Use Penelope's experience in the talent show to discuss the importance of courage and being oneself, asking your child what they would do similarly or differently.
Highlight the lessons learned from the book, and ask your child to think of ways they can apply these lessons in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embrace Individuality
Explanation: Penelope Rex learns to appreciate her unique qualities, even when she fears they may make her stand out too much.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to celebrate their own differences and those of others, fostering self-confidence and inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Courage in Self-Expression
Explanation: Throughout the story, Penelope faces challenges in expressing her love for music and performing. She overcomes her fears and performs confidently.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to pursue their passions and express themselves, even in the face of fear or doubt.
Example Lesson: Supportive Friendships
Explanation: Penelope receives encouragement and support from her classmates, which plays a crucial role in her decision to perform.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of supporting and uplifting their friends, which can strengthen their social interactions and empathy.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Nervousness
Explanation: Penelope shows signs of nervousness about performing in front of others, a common fear among children.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that it's okay to feel nervous and there are positive ways to manage these feelings.