Dear Sweet Pea
Dumplin' Series
on Goodreads (4,582)
What’s inside...
The first middle grade novel from Julie Murphy, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dumplin’ (now a popular Netflix film), is a humorous and heartwarming tale ideal for fans of Rebecca Stead, Ali Benjamin, and Holly Goldberg Sloan. The story follows Patricia 'Sweet Pea' DiMarco, who navigates the complexities of her parents' divorce, shifting friendships, and the unexpected responsibility of managing her neighbor’s advice column. As Sweet Pea manages her life between two homes, she deals with school drama and finds solace in her new friend Oscar and her cat Cheese. An unexpected opportunity to influence her neighbor's advice column leads Sweet Pea to a decision that brings profound changes to herself and those around her.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Patricia "Sweet Pea"DiMarco
Kiera
Miss Flora Mae
Mrs. Dimarco
Oscar Rivera
Mr. Dimarco
Discussion points
How do Sweet Pea's feelings towards her parents' divorce change throughout the story, and what helps her cope with the changes?
Sweet Pea handles secrets in different ways in the book. Can you think of a time when you kept a secret? How did it make you feel?
Why do you think Sweet Pea felt compelled to give advice to others? How did her advice impact her relationships?
How do Sweet Pea's friendships evolve from the beginning to the end of the book? What do you think makes a good friend?
Sweet Pea faces challenges with her self-image. How does she learn to appreciate herself, and what can we learn from her experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Sweet Pea's situations and how they might handle similar challenges.
Highlight the importance of honesty and openness, discussing how secrets and communication affect Sweet Pea and her relationships.
Discuss the theme of self-acceptance, asking your child about their own feelings towards self-image and how they can support friends in feeling good about themselves.
Use examples from the book to talk about the qualities of true friendship and ask your child to share stories about their own friends.
Reinforce that it’s okay to seek help during tough times, whether from parents, friends, or other trusted individuals, just like Sweet Pea does.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: In 'Dear Sweet Pea', the protagonist navigates her parents' recent divorce and her own changing friendships, learning to adapt to new family dynamics and school environments.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to accept changes in their own lives, such as moving to a new school or adjusting to a new family structure, with resilience and openness.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Communication
Explanation: Sweet Pea learns the value of honest and open communication through her interactions with her family and friends, eventually understanding that expressing her feelings can lead to resolutions and stronger relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can practice expressing their thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully in their interactions, which can help in building trust and understanding with others.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Sweet Pea struggles with her self-image but gradually learns to accept and love herself as she is, recognizing her own value beyond physical appearances or popularity.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to appreciate their own unique qualities and attributes, promoting self-esteem and a positive self-image.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Kindness
Explanation: Sweet Pea demonstrates empathy by handling delicate situations with her friends and by being a secret advice columnist, offering compassionate advice to her neighbors.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to put themselves in others' shoes and show kindness in their daily interactions, positively affecting their community and fostering meaningful relationships.