Calling Maggie May
#4 of 7 in Anonymous Diaries Series
on Goodreads (1,862)
What’s inside...
A dark and edgy first-person cautionary tale about how one girl's seemingly minor choices quickly spiraled into a life as a sex worker in the tradition of Go Ask Alice and Lucy in the Sky. She had a normal life, until one small decision changed everything. Suddenly, there were new possibilities and new experiences. But not all of those experiences were good. Read her shocking story in the diary she left behind.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Maggie May to make the decisions she did?
How do you feel about the relationship dynamics presented in the story?
What could Maggie May have done differently in her situation?
What did you learn from Maggie May’s experiences?
How do the events in the book show the consequences of our choices?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by summarizing the book together, allowing your child to express their understanding of the story.
Encourage your child to put themselves in Maggie May’s shoes, fostering empathy and deeper comprehension of character motivations.
Ask your child how they might handle similar situations differently, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Discuss the real-life implications of the story’s themes, such as peer pressure and independence, to connect the narrative to your child's world.
Finish your discussion by asking your child how the story could influence their future decisions, reinforcing the importance of thoughtful choices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences of choices
Explanation: In 'Calling Maggie May', the protagonist makes several decisions that lead her down challenging paths, showcasing the ripple effects of her choices.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of thinking through their decisions and considering the long-term impact of their actions in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: The story reveals the protagonist's emotional journey and interactions with others, which can teach readers about understanding and caring for people’s feelings.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate and supportive in their interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Maggie May faces various obstacles and the narrative explores her responses to these challenges, emphasizing her resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through their own difficulties, understanding that resilience is key in overcoming life’s hurdles.
Example Lesson: The value of self-reflection
Explanation: Throughout the book, Maggie May reflects on her life choices and their outcomes, promoting introspection.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of self-evaluation and learning from their experiences to foster personal growth.