10 Steps to Girlfriend Status (Bird Face)
#2 of 4 in Bird Face Series
on Goodreads (55)
What’s inside...
Wendy Robichaud's life in high school is going as planned with great friends, a happy family, and a crush-turned-boyfriend, until a shared moment with Mrs. Villaturo looking at old photo albums reveals hints of a scandal involving Mrs. V's deceased husband. As Wendy delves into the scandal, she risks her relationships with her boyfriend David, her stepsister Alice, and her friend Gayle. The stakes rise as Wendy fights to keep Mrs. V from being relocated far away, all while struggling to maintain the friendships she values deeply.
Character compass
Wendy Robichaud
David
Jennifer
Discussion points
How do you think Wendy felt when she was trying to balance her friendships and a possible new relationship? What would you do in her position?
What are some ways Wendy shows her commitment to her family and friends throughout the story? How important is loyalty to you?
What role do you think cultural heritage plays in shaping the characters' identities? How does your own culture influence who you are?
Why is it important to talk about and understand historical events, like the story from the 1960s that Wendy discovers? How would you feel uncovering a family secret?
Discuss the various relationships in the book. Which ones do you find most relatable and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before discussing, ensure your child has fully understood the events and emotions portrayed in the book. Summarize or have them summarize to confirm.
Relate the conversations to your child's personal experiences, especially when discussing friendship dynamics and family relationships, to foster deeper connections with the characters.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, affirming that there is no right or wrong answer. This openness facilitates more genuine discussions.
Link discussions to broader themes like cultural identity and historical awareness, encouraging your child to explore these concepts beyond the book.
Utilize pauses after asking questions, giving your child time to think through their responses thoroughly, which can lead to more thoughtful insights.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The protagonist of the book, Wendy, navigates complex social situations and family dynamics, learning to understand and empathize with different perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate diverse viewpoints and show compassion in their interactions with friends and family members.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and maturity
Explanation: Wendy is given new responsibilities and faces challenges that require her to make mature decisions, illustrating the growth that comes with responsibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to take on responsibilities at home or in school, helping them grow into dependable and thoughtful individuals.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Change
Explanation: The story addresses the transitions of entering high school and changes in family dynamics, teaching children to adapt to new environments and situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding to cope positively with changes such as moving to a new school or adjusting to a new family member.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: Throughout the book, Wendy learns the importance of clear and open communication, particularly in resolving misunderstandings.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of expressing themselves clearly and listening to others to resolve conflicts and build stronger relationships.