Comedy Girl
on Goodreads (147)
What’s inside...
Shy seventeen-year-old Trixie Shapiro may be one of the shyest students at Mason High, but she's also the funniest. When her best friend, Jazzy, signs her up to perform stand-up at Senior Talent Night, Trixie is terrified she'll choke. Encouraged by her drama teacher, she tries again at a local comedy club and surprisingly, her confidence swells and a successful comedy act is born. Trixie quickly finds herself on a fast track, winning contests and landing a job as an opening comic. However, when she gets into a relationship with her longtime crush, Gavin Baldwin, she faces a difficult choice between a romantic path and a risky shot at comedic stardom. Ellen Schreiber narrates an inspiring and entertaining story of a shy teen discovering her shining place in the spotlight.
Age
12-13
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Trixie Shapiro
Trixie'S Father
Discussion points
What did you think about the main character's journey and how she handled challenges?
How did the relationships between characters change throughout the story?
What lessons do you think the book was trying to teach about friendship and perseverance?
How did the ending of the story make you feel and why?
If you could give advice to one of the characters, who would it be and what would you say?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm and curious tone when asking questions to create a comfortable space for open conversation.
Connect themes from the book to real-life situations your child may encounter to make the discussion more relevant.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios in the book and discuss how different actions might change the story.
Acknowledge your child's feelings and thoughts as they express themselves, showing genuine interest and encouragement.
After discussing the book, participate in an activity together that relates to the book’s theme, such as writing a short story or drawing a favorite scene.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: The protagonist faces various comedic yet challenging situations, demonstrating perseverance despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges with a positive attitude and perseverance, whether in school or during play.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, the main character relies on friends for support and guidance, emphasizing the strength of relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to build strong, supportive friendships, increasing their social skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Creativity and expression
Explanation: The protagonist often uses creative solutions to navigate comedic predicaments, showcasing the power of innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids can be motivated to use their imagination to solve problems and express themselves in unique ways, both academically and socially.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters often find themselves in humorous misunderstandings, teaching the importance of understanding different perspectives.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to consider others' feelings and viewpoints, fostering empathy and improving their interpersonal relationships.