Bullies and Buddies
#2 of 31 in Diary of a Minecraft Zombie Series
on Goodreads (4,519)
What’s inside...
In the second installment of the Diary of A Minecraft Zombie Book, the protagonist Zombie finds himself facing the school bully. Amidst these struggles, Zombie also makes new friends and learns the importance of friendship and standing up for yourself. 12 year old Zombie is back for another hilarious and exciting adventure. This time Zombie is up against some of the meanest and scary mob bullies at school. Will he be able to stop the mob bullies from terrorizing him and his friends, and make it back in one piece?
Character compass
Zombie
Mutant
Discussion points
How did the characters in the story handle situations where someone was being unkind? What would you do in a similar situation?
What does it mean to be a good friend? Can you share a moment when a friend helped you feel better?
Why do you think people sometimes bully others? How can we help them feel understood and cared for instead?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
What is one thing you learned from this book that you would like to apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own feelings about the book’s themes and ask your child how they felt about the story. This opens up a natural and mutual dialogue.
Praise your child for any empathetic insights they share. This reinforces their understanding and importance of empathy.
Encourage your child to think about different perspectives by asking how they believe various characters felt during key moments in the book.
Use real-life examples that are age-appropriate to explain the consequences of actions similar to those in the book, enhancing their understanding of the story’s morals.
After discussing the book, engage in a creative activity like drawing scenes from the book or imagining alternative endings with your child to deepen their connection and understanding of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through the interactions between characters, the book 'Bullies and Buddies' highlights the importance of understanding others' feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to better relate to their peers, fostering a more inclusive and supportive social environment at school or in playgrounds.
Example Lesson: Conflict Resolution
Explanation: The narrative provides scenarios where characters resolve conflicts through communication and compromise, rather than aggression or avoidance.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to handle disputes constructively, enhancing their ability to navigate disagreements with friends or siblings.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Characters in 'Bullies and Buddies' demonstrate how true friends support and uplift each other, especially in challenging times.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to appreciate and nurture their friendships, which can lead to more fulfilling and supportive relationships throughout their lives.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for what's right
Explanation: One of the major turning points in the book is when a character bravely stands up against bullying behavior, showing moral fortitude.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to act with courage in their own lives, whether it's standing up for a classmate or speaking out against unfairness.