Big Nate: I Can't Take It!
#7 of 31 in Big Nate Series
on Goodreads (3,907)
What’s inside...
Now an animated series with Paramount+ and Nickelodeon! Big Nate. He thinks big. He talks big. He acts big. And the Big Nate: I Can't Take It, featuring our mischievous middle-school hero, is big fun. Life can be stressful for Nate Wright. At school, Mrs. Godfrey makes every day a nightmare. At home, he's stuck between Ellen, his incredibly annoying older sister, and Dad, perhaps the most clueless parent of all time. And don't get him started on Gina, the ultimate teacher's pet, or Artur, the unassuming exchange student who bests him at every turn. It's enough to make even a can-do kid like Nate scream: 'I CAN'T TAKE IT!'
Character compass
Nate Wright
Teddy Ortiz
Francis Pope
Gina Hemphill-Toms
Mrs. Godfrey
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Big Nate to act the way he does in school and at home?
How do the interactions between Nate and his friends and teachers help us understand his character?
Can you relate to any of the challenges Nate faces? What would you have done differently?
What lessons do you think Nate learns throughout the book? What did you learn from his experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and voice modulation to make the reading experience more lively and engaging.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking and connection to the themes.
Relate discussions to your child’s everyday life to help them connect with Nate's experiences and choices.
Celebrate positive messages from the book, such as the importance of friendship and maintaining a good sense of humor.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The main character, Nate, faces various challenges and frustrations but continues to try his best and stay optimistic.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persevering through difficulties and maintaining a positive attitude, skills that are vital in school and personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Nate learns to understand and share the feelings of others, which improves his relationships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider other people's perspectives and feelings, fostering stronger friendships and social interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nate is given tasks which he must handle, teaching him accountability.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and duties, a crucial skill for personal development and success.
Example Lesson: Coping with failure
Explanation: Nate often encounters setbacks, yet learns from these experiences rather than giving into despair.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that failure is a part of learning and growth, encouraging them to try new things without fear.