Another D for DeeDee
on Goodreads (42)
What’s inside...
From the author of Canned and Crushed comes a new story about friendship, the consequences of bad decisions, and embracing differences. DeeDee's life is full of challenges, including missing her dad, struggling in a new school, and being diagnosed with diabetes. When she meets her new neighbor, River, who has cochlear implants, they bond over shared interests and missing fathers. As DeeDee navigates life with diabetes and adjusting to her new circumstances, River embraces life and his differences. River even encourages DeeDee to participate in the school's talent show. However, when River transfers to DeeDee's school, she makes mistakes that jeopardize their friendship, forcing her to decide whether to stand up for River or lose him forever. DeeDee must learn to accept and love not only River's differences but her own as well.
Age
8-12
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think DeeDee felt when she received another D? What can we do when we face challenges at school?
What changes did DeeDee make to improve her grades? Can you think of a time when you tried something new to solve a problem?
Why is it important to have supportive friends and family like DeeDee had? Who are the people who support you?
DeeDee learns a lot about herself throughout the book. What are some things you’ve learned about yourself this school year?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening. When discussing DeeDee’s struggles and triumphs, show understanding and relate them to your child’s experiences.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about school and learning, mirroring DeeDee’s journey of self-discovery and growth.
Highlight the importance of perseverance and ask your child to think of ways they can apply this virtue in their own life, just like DeeDee.
Reinforce the idea of seeking help and leveraging resources, just like DeeDee did, to emphasize that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Another D for DeeDee', DeeDee learns to understand and empathize with her classmates who also struggle with learning differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to be patient and supportive of peers who might learn at a different pace or in different ways than they do.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: DeeDee faces her learning difficulties head-on, showing resilience and determination to improve, despite receiving another D grade.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to not give up easily when faced with academic or personal challenges, promoting a growth mindset.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Seeking Help
Explanation: The story highlights DeeDee’s journey as she seeks help from teachers and utilizes resources to overcome her challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of asking for assistance when they need it, which can be applied at school or in new or difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: Despite her initial struggles and frustrations, DeeDee learns to accept her unique learning style and recognizes her own strengths.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to embrace their individuality and abilities, boosting self-confidence and personal growth.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: DeeDee finds support and encouragement through her friendships, which play an essential role in her emotional and academic growth.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of building and maintaining supportive friendships, aiding in their social development.