Dates, Double Dates and Big, Big Trouble (Ally's World)
#4 in Ally'S World Series
on Goodreads (821)
What’s inside...
Ally's feeling inadequate. Why is it that her only romantic experience amounts to a burping in mouth scenario with Keith Brownlow? Kyra's only been in Crouch End two seconds and she's got a boyfriend already. Ally's dad also seems to be 'dating' - has he forgotten all about her mum? Ally is not sure what's more worrying: not having a boyfriend, or being invited on a double date with Kyra, Ricardo and Ricardo's mystery mate.
Character compass
Ally Love
Discussion points
How do you think Ally felt when she faced those big troubles? Can you relate to her feelings?
What do you think about the way Ally handled her problems? What would you have done differently?
Ally's relationships with her friends and family play a big part in the book. How important do you think relationships are when dealing with difficulties?
What did you learn from Ally's experiences about handling unexpected challenges?
If you were in Ally's world, what advice would you give her?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening to encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s events. This helps them connect personally with the story.
Highlight the importance of family and friendship in the book, and relate it to your child’s own life. Discuss the value of support systems in overcoming challenges.
Encourage critical thinking by asking your child what they might have done differently in Ally's situations. This can foster problem-solving skills.
Connect the book’s themes to real-life scenarios that your child might encounter, making the discussion more relevant and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Navigating sibling relationships
Explanation: The protagonist, Ally, deals with the complexities of sibling dynamics, which are highlighted through various family interactions and mishaps.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and manage their own sibling relationships, fostering a healthier family environment.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences of actions
Explanation: Ally's adventures often lead to unintended consequences, teaching readers that actions have effects on themselves and others.
Real-World Application: This lesson guides children to think before acting and consider the impact of their actions on their surroundings.
Example Lesson: Developing problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, Ally faces multiple problems which she needs to solve, showing the importance of critical thinking and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use problem-solving skills in everyday challenges at school or at home.
Example Lesson: Value of honesty
Explanation: Ally learns the importance of being truthful even when it's difficult, which is a theme that recurs in her interactions with her friends and family.
Real-World Application: This message helps children understand the importance of honesty in building trust and maintaining relationships.
Example Lesson: Coping with change
Explanation: Ally's world is constantly changing, and the book explores her adjustments and reactions to these changes.
Real-World Application: Children learn to adapt to changes in life such as moving schools, or changes in family dynamics, making them more resilient.