Doormat
on Goodreads (195)
What’s inside...
Fourteen-year-old Jaime is used to her best friend, Melissa, being the center of attention. Melissa wants to be a model—she’s beautiful, popular, and talented. There’s just one small problem—Melissa thinks she’s pregnant, and she wants Jaime’s help. But there’s not much Jaime can do. Melissa refuses to tell her parents; Jaime refuses to be the same old reliable doormat. She’s got a lead in the school play and a new friendship with Zach. Jaime is changing, too. And she’s sick of being stepped on! Fifteen-year-old Kelly McWilliams’s debut novel is an inspiring story about friendship, choices, and learning how to shine.
Age
12-15
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jamie
Melissa
Discussion points
How did the actions of the characters in 'Doormat' make you feel?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character's shoes?
Can you think of a time when you felt like a 'doormat'? How did you handle the situation?
What does friendship mean to you, and how do friends treat each other based on what you read in the book?
What did you learn about standing up for yourself and others from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own feelings and thoughts about the book's events and its characters. This can create an open environment where your child feels encouraged to express.
Acknowledge all emotions your child shares, whether they're positive or negative, to foster a safe space for honest discussion.
Link discussions to real-life situations, asking your child to draw parallels between the book’s themes and their own experiences, enhancing empathy and understanding.
Praise your child for their thoughts and insights to build their confidence in expressing their opinions and ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Standing up for oneself
Explanation: In 'Doormat,' the protagonist learns to assert her boundaries and stand up against being treated unfairly.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to voice their discomfort or disapproval when they feel mistreated, whether by peers or adults.
Example Lesson: Empathy toward others
Explanation: The story illustrates the importance of understanding and acknowledging the feelings and struggles of others.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to recognize and respond to the emotions of their friends or classmates, fostering a supportive environment.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: Throughout 'Doormat,' the protagonist's friendships play a key role in her personal growth, showing how valuable strong, positive relationships can be.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to cherish and nurture their friendships, understanding that these relationships can offer support and growth.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: The book highlights how the protagonist makes mistakes but learns from them, contributing to her development.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to view mistakes as learning opportunities, helping them to embrace challenges and not fear failure.