6 Times We Almost Kissed
on Goodreads (10,759)
What’s inside...
Six moments lead us to two girls, one kiss, and three little words that were maybe always true in this gorgeous novel perfect for fans of Nina LaCour and Jenny Han. Penny and Tate have always clashed due to their mothers being lifelong best friends, resulting in countless shared experiences, from playdates to rom-com marathons. Their already tense relationship escalates when Penny's mother becomes a living donor to Tate's mom, necessitating the merging of their households. In an effort to ease their mothers' burdens, Penny and Tate agree to set aside their differences. However, their plan is complicated by their confusing and recurring almost-kisses—a tension that has spanned their teenage years, yet goes unspoken. Now, living in close proximity, they find it increasingly difficult to ignore their feelings and continue avoiding the inevitable.
Age
13-14
Length
384 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Penny
Tate
Discussion points
How did the characters feel each time they almost kissed? Can you describe what might be going through their minds?
Why do you think the characters hesitated? What do you think they were afraid of or concerned about?
How did the relationship between the characters change after each moment? What does this tell us about how relationships evolve?
If you were in the character's shoes, would you have made a different decision at any of these moments? Why or why not?
What do you think is the significance of these almost-kisses in the story? How does it impact the overall message of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the characters’ emotions and motivations deeply, helping them connect with the characters on a personal level.
Discuss personal experiences or feelings that might relate to the characters’ situations, making connections to real-life scenarios to deepen understanding.
Ask your child how they might have reacted in similar circumstances to foster empathy and perspective-taking.
Highlight the importance of timing and readiness in relationships through the recurring theme of 'almost kisses' to help them grasp complex emotional concepts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: Throughout '6 Times We Almost Kissed,' the characters experience misunderstandings due to lack of communication, illustrating how it can affect relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express their thoughts and feelings clearly to avoid misunderstandings with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The characters encounter various obstacles but learn to overcome them, which demonstrates the value of perseverance and resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to persist in solving problems and not be discouraged by setbacks.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: The story shows characters learning to understand each other's viewpoints, highlighting the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by considering others' feelings and perspectives in school and at home.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: The book emphasizes how friendships can provide support and joy, even in challenging times.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to nurture and value their friendships, understanding their significance in their lives.