Best Nerds Forever
on Goodreads (1,700)
What’s inside...
When a lifelong friendship just isn't long enough, two friends connect from beyond the grave in this heartwarming ghost story from a New York Times bestselling author. One minute, Finn was biking home from school, and the next, he was run off the road by a maniac in a big van. Now, he's a ghost. He can do lots of fun things, like try every ice cream flavor in the store, sneak up on people, and play as many video games as he wants. Finn even has a new ghost friend, Isabella, to show him the ropes. But he also has a lot of BIG questions, like: who wanted him dead? And can he stop the maniac from striking again? Packed with hilarious moments, epic friendships, and fun art, Best Nerds Forever celebrates the nerd in each of us and the joy of living life to its fullest.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Finn and Cora's friendship changed throughout the story?
What would you do if you were in Finn's situation at the start of the book?
How do the adventures in the story inspire you to handle challenges in your own life?
What did you learn about the importance of friendship and courage from Finn and Cora's experiences?
If you could add another adventure to Finn and Cora's journey, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences with those of Finn and Cora, enhancing their connection with the characters.
Discuss the broader themes of the book, like friendship and bravery, and ask your child how these themes play out in their own lives.
Use the fantastical elements of the story as a fun entry point to discuss real-life issues and moral questions.
After reading the book, consider engaging in a creative activity together, such as drawing scenes or imagining alternate endings to the story with your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing differences
Explanation: In 'Best Nerds Forever', characters from diverse backgrounds and with varying interests come together, highlighting the importance of accepting and respecting others' differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the uniqueness of their peers and foster a more inclusive environment at school and in social settings.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: The story showcases how friendships can provide support and make challenges easier to overcome, emphasizing the significance of building strong, supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to cultivate meaningful friendships, offer support to friends in need, and understand the positive impact of having reliable friends in their lives.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Characters in the book confront and overcome their fears, teaching young readers about the importance of bravery and self-confidence.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to tackle their own fears—whether it's trying out for a sports team, speaking in front of the class, or standing up for themselves.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Through various challenges that the characters face in 'Best Nerds Forever', the importance of thoughtful problem-solving is highlighted.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of using logic and creativity to navigate challenges, helping them deal with academic tasks or everyday problems effectively.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: The book portrays characters who persist through difficult situations, demonstrating that perseverance is key to achieving goals.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to not give up easily, whether in their studies, hobbies, or personal goals, teaching them resilience and determination.