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Bea Is for Blended

4.47
on Goodreads (299)

What’s inside...

Girl power scores a goal in this uplifting story of teamwork, new beginnings, and coming together to fight for what’s right—perfect for fans of Lisa Graff and Lynda Mullaly Hunt. Bea and her mom have always been a two-person team. But now her mom is marrying Wendell, and their team is growing by three boys, two dogs, and a cat. Finding her place in her new blended family may be tough, but when Bea finds out her school might not get the all-girls soccer team they’d been promised, she learns that the bigger the team, the stronger the fight—and that for the girls to get what they deserve, they’re going to need a squad behind them. Lauded as “remarkable” by the New York Times Book Review, Lindsey Stoddard’s heartfelt stories continue to garner critical acclaim, and her latest novel will have fans new and old rooting for Bea as she discovers that building a new life doesn’t mean leaving her old one behind.  
Age
8-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity

Discussion points

How did Bea's feelings change throughout the story when it came to her blended family?
What are some ways that Bea tried to fit in with her classmates and her step-family? Did they work?
How did the soccer team help Bea connect with others? What does this tell us about teamwork?
Bea faced some challenges at school, especially with a bully. How did she handle these situations?
What did you learn about family and friendship from Bea's experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story in detail.
Relate the story's themes to your child's experiences, such as making new friends, dealing with changes at home, or working in a team.
Encourage your child to think about how they would react in Bea's situations, fostering empathy and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the outcomes of Bea's decisions and actions to help your child understand the consequences of choices in a safe and guided manner.
Highlight the importance of accepting and loving each individual member of a blended family or a team, reinforcing inclusivity and understanding.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Embracing blended families
Explanation: Bea navigates her blended family dynamics, with a new stepmom, stepsister, and stepbrother, learning to accept and appreciate the uniqueness of her newly formed family.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to accept and cherish the evolving nature of families, understanding that love and respect are fundamental, regardless of family structure.
Example Lesson: Dealing with change
Explanation: Bea deals with the changes in her soccer team and family life, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to cope with changes in life, whether it's moving to a new school, dealing with family changes, or adapting to new social environments.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: On the soccer field, Bea learns to collaborate with her teammates, including her new stepsister, illustrating the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to apply teamwork in group projects at school or in sports, recognizing that collective effort often leads to greater success.
Example Lesson: Standing up against bullying
Explanation: Bea stands up for her stepsister when she faces bullying, teaching about the importance of advocacy and courage.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the impact of their actions and the importance of standing up for others in situations of injustice or bullying.
Example Lesson: Self-identity and confidence
Explanation: Throughout the story, Bea explores her own interests and talents, leading to a stronger sense of self and increased confidence.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in self-discovery and pursue their passions with confidence, which is crucial for personal development and happiness.