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#6 in Dork Diaries Series

Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Happy Ever After

4.23
on Goodreads (18,677)

What’s inside...

In this book, Nikki Maxwell's school life becomes a fairy tale nightmare when she ends up in a twisted version of classic fairy tales. She has to find a way to escape and return to her own life.
In series
Series reading
Sequential
Age
9-13
Length
356 pages
Text complexity

Discussion points

How did Nikki's experiences at school compare to your own? What would you do differently?
Friendships play a big role in the book. What qualities do you think make a good friend?
Nikki faces many challenges in the story. Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge? How did you handle it?
The book includes Nikki's drawings and doodles. What did you think about this style of storytelling? Would you like to create your own diary with drawings?
If you could give Nikki one piece of advice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Nikki's adventures, promoting a deeper connection to the story.
Discuss the dynamics of friendship and bullying, reinforcing positive social skills and empathy.
Utilize Nikki's creative diary entries as a springboard to encourage your child to start a journal or diary of their own.
Relate the book's themes to real-life scenarios in your child’s life, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Praise your child’s insights and connections made from the book to build confidence and foster a love for reading.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: The importance of resilience
Explanation: The protagonist, Nikki, faces numerous challenges and setbacks but continuously perseveres, demonstrating resilience throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through difficulties in school or in friendships, understanding that setbacks are temporary and can be overcome with determination.
Example Lesson: Value of creativity
Explanation: Nikki uses her diary as a creative outlet to express her feelings and experiences, showcasing the power of creativity in dealing with emotions and problems.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore creative outlets like writing, drawing, or music to express themselves and manage their emotions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nikki learns to understand and empathize with her peers, even those she initially dislikes or misunderstands.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of empathy by encouraging them to consider the feelings and perspectives of others in their interactions.
Example Lesson: The significance of friendship
Explanation: The story highlights the supportive role friends play in Nikki's life, helping her navigate her challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture friendships, understanding that true friends provide support and camaraderie through life’s ups and downs.
Example Lesson: Being true to oneself
Explanation: Nikki often grapples with issues of self-identity and ultimately learns the importance of being true to oneself rather than conforming to others' expectations.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace their unique qualities and be proud of who they are, rather than changing to fit in with others.