Better Off Friends
on Goodreads (33,012)
What’s inside...
For Macallan and Levi, it was friends at first sight. Everyone says guys and girls can't be just friends, but these two are. They hang out after school, share tons of inside jokes, their families are super close, and Levi even starts dating one of Macallan's friends. They are platonic and happy that way. Eventually they realize they're best friends—which wouldn't be so bad if they didn't keep getting in each other's way. Guys won't ask Macallan out because they think she's with Levi, and Levi spends too much time joking around with Macallan, and maybe not enough time with his date. They can't help but wonder . . . are they more than friends or are they better off without making it even more complicated? From romantic comedy superstar Elizabeth Eulberg comes a fresh, fun examination of a question for the ages: Can guys and girls ever really be just friends? Or are they always one fight away from not speaking again—and one kiss away from true love?
Age
12-13
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Macallan Dietz
Levi Rodgers
Discussion points
How do you think Macallan and Levi's friendship changed as they grew older? What made their relationship stronger or weaker at different times?
What are some ways that Macallan and Levi supported each other through tough times? Can you think of any similar situations where you've supported a friend or they've supported you?
How do you think the story would have changed if Macallan or Levi made different choices in their friendship?
What do you think makes a friendship strong? Are there any qualities you think are important in a friend that were shown in the book?
If you were in Macallan or Levi's situation, how would you have handled their disagreements or misunderstandings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on their personal experiences by relating them to the scenarios in the book. This helps deepen their understanding and empathy.
While discussing the questions, share some of your own friendship experiences from when you were their age. This can help them see the relevance of the book’s themes in everyday life.
Ask them to consider the characters’ viewpoints and why they might have acted in certain ways. This promotes critical thinking about motivation and consequence.
Encourage them to think about the future of Macallan and Levi's friendship, sparking imagination and forward-thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: The story revolves around two best friends, Levi and Macallan, who navigate the complexities of their friendship. It demonstrates the importance of trust, understanding, and support between friends.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their friendships and nurture them with kindness and empathy, which can lead to lasting relationships.
Example Lesson: Communication is key in relationships
Explanation: Throughout the book, Levi and Macallan face challenges that they overcome by being open and honest with each other. This highlights the importance of communication in maintaining a healthy relationship.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to express their feelings and thoughts openly with their friends and family, fostering stronger connections and minimizing misunderstandings.
Example Lesson: Navigating changes in relationships
Explanation: As Levi and Macallan grow, their relationship dynamic shifts, which reflects the changes that occur in real-life relationships due to personal growth and external circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be adaptable and resilient as their relationships evolve, understanding that change is a natural part of life and relationships.
Example Lesson: Resolving conflicts
Explanation: The protagonists encounter conflicts that they must resolve to preserve their friendship. The book illustrates constructive conflict resolution techniques.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these techniques to resolve disputes in school or with siblings, understanding the importance of resolving conflicts amicably and respectfully.
Example Lesson: Understanding different perspectives
Explanation: Levi and Macallan have different viewpoints at times, which teaches the reader about the value of seeing situations from other perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson imparts empathy, encouraging children to consider others' feelings and viewpoints, which can enhance their social interactions and decision-making skills.