Dork Diaries: Puppy Love (Dork Diaries 10 Reissue, 2023)
#10 of 15 in Dork Diaries Series
on Goodreads (13,211)
What’s inside...
In this installment of the Dork Diaries series, Nikki Maxwell is back with more humorous adventures, this time involving a cute puppy. Nikki finds herself juggling her school life, friends, and a new crush, all while trying to help out with an adorable addition to her family. As she navigates the ups and downs of middle school, Nikki learns valuable lessons about responsibility and compassion. In a related adventure, Nikki decides to take care of a litter of abandoned puppies when the animal shelter Brandon volunteers at is too full. Her plan involves hiding the pups at home and secretly taking them to school, leading to a series of comedic mishaps. Will Nikki's plan end in disaster, or will she manage to keep the puppies safe and hidden?
Character compass
Nikki Maxwell
Brianna Maxwell
Zoey Franklin
Chloe Garcia
Brandon Roberts
Mackenzie Hollister
Discussion points
How does Nikki handle her responsibilities with the new puppy, and what does that teach us about caring for others?
In what ways do Nikki's friends support her throughout the story, and why is their support important?
How does Nikki's diary help her express her feelings, and why do you think expressing feelings is important?
What challenges does Nikki face in the book, and how does she overcome them? What can we learn from her resilience?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child how they felt about Nikki's experiences and relate them to any similar situations they might have faced.
Discuss the importance of friendship and empathy as showcased in the book, prompting your child to give examples from their own life.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, stressing that all viewpoints are valuable and respected.
Highlight Nikki's problem-solving skills and ask your child how they might handle similar challenges in their lives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Puppy Love', the protagonist Nikki Maxwell demonstrates empathy by caring for a lost puppy she finds. She takes the responsibility to ensure its safety and well-being, showcasing an understanding of the puppy's needs.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize emotions and needs in others, whether it's their pets, friends, or family members, and responding with kindness and care.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nikki faces the challenges of taking care of the puppy while managing her school obligations. This scenario highlights the importance of being responsible and reliable.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to manage their duties, be it their homework, chores, or caring for a pet, understanding that responsibility is a key trait for personal growth.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Nikki encounters various problems in trying to find the puppy’s owner. Her creative approaches and determination to solve these issues are pivotal parts of the storyline.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think critically and creatively when faced with challenges, encouraging them to look for solutions rather than feeling defeated.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Despite facing setbacks, Nikki remains determined to help the puppy. Her persistence is a central theme, showing readers the value of perseverance in achieving one's goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of continuing to strive towards their goals, even when they encounter obstacles, teaching them resilience.
Example Lesson: Compassion
Explanation: Nikki’s actions toward the puppy and her friends are driven by compassion, which is depicted through her caring and supportive interactions.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to act with compassion in their daily interactions, promoting a more empathetic and supportive community.