What Lexie Did
on Goodreads (150)
What’s inside...
Lexie lives in London with her colourful Greek-Cypriot family and is devoted to her cousin Eleni, who has a heart condition. After their grandmother's death, Lexie tells a jealous lie about an heirloom necklace, causing a rift in the family. Now, it's up to Lexie to mend the broken bonds and find a way to reveal the truth.
Age
8-12
Length
266 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lexie
Eleni
Discussion points
How did Lexie's actions affect her relationships with others? What would you have done differently?
Why is honesty important in friendships? Can you think of a time when you had to choose to be honest?
How does Lexie feel when she makes mistakes? How do you feel when you make mistakes, and what can you learn from them?
What role does family play in Lexie's decisions and life? How does your family influence your decisions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize pauses after each question to give your child time to think and articulate their thoughts.
Show genuine interest in their responses, and share your own thoughts and experiences to deepen the conversation.
Reinforce the moral lessons subtly through the discussion, highlighting the importance of honesty and responsibility.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own life, which can help in understanding the characters' perspectives and actions better.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Honesty is the best policy
Explanation: Lexie learns the importance of honesty when she gets caught in her web of lies. The consequences of her dishonesty show the turmoil it can cause in relationships.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to always tell the truth to maintain trust and integrity in their relationships with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Forgiveness and reconciliation
Explanation: Throughout the book, Lexie and her family navigate the challenges of forgiveness after mistakes are made. Readers see how they work towards understanding and forgiving each other.
Real-World Application: This story helps children learn the importance of forgiving others and the steps towards mending relationships after conflicts.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Lexie learns to understand different perspectives, particularly when dealing with the new girl at school and her cousin's struggles.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate diverse perspectives and feelings, fostering a more inclusive and understanding environment.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist, Lexie, takes responsibility for her actions by the end of the book, demonstrating growth and maturity.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to own their actions and understand the impact they can have on others, promoting personal accountability.
Example Lesson: The power of communication
Explanation: Lexie’s journey highlights the importance of open communication within families and friendships for solving problems.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to express their thoughts and feelings clearly to avoid misunderstandings and strengthen relationships.