Dork Diaries Tales from a Not-So-Friendly Frenemy
#11 of 15 in Dork Diaries Series
on Goodreads (16,037)
What’s inside...
Nikki Maxwell's worst nightmare comes true in book nine of the #1 New York Times bestselling Dork Diaries series when a member of the CCP girls gets her hands on Nikki's diary. Drama unfolds as Mackenzie shares her own thoughts in the diary, giving readers a glimpse into her world. In the eleventh installment, the drama continues as Nikki finds herself in a frenemy showdown during a student exchange week at MacKenzie Hollister's new school, North Hampton Hills. Nikki faces tough challenges as she navigates a week at the school of her archnemesis, potentially dealing with someone who could outdo MacKenzie herself.
Character compass
Nikki Maxwell
Zoey Franklin
Chloe Garcia
Brandon Roberts
Mackenzie Hollister
Discussion points
How do you think Nikki felt when she faced challenges with her friends? Can you relate to her feelings in any way?
What did Nikki learn about friendship in this story? Why do you think those lessons are important?
How would you have handled the situations Nikki faced? Would you do anything differently?
What role do you think honesty plays in Nikki's relationships in the book?
How did Nikki's attitude and actions influence the outcome of the events? What does this tell us about personal responsibility?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal anecdote about a time you faced a similar friendship dilemma. It helps your child feel more comfortable and open to sharing.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they think different characters felt during key moments in the book. It enhances emotional intelligence and perspective-taking.
Use specific scenes from the book as references to ensure your discussions are grounded in the text, making it easier for your child to engage.
Praise your child when they express their thoughts and feelings about the book, even if their views differ from yours. It reinforces their confidence in expressing their opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The protagonist, Nikki Maxwell, demonstrates empathy by trying to understand her frenemies' perspectives and reasons behind their actions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to consider the feelings and viewpoints of others in their interactions, fostering healthier relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Nikki faces various social challenges but uses her creativity and wit to navigate these situations, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persevere through their personal challenges, using their unique strengths to overcome difficulties.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: Nikki learns the value of being truthful, especially when dealing with friends and at school.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the importance of honesty in building trust and credibility in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: The Power of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, the support Nikki receives from her friends plays a crucial role in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate and nurture their friendships, understanding the significant role friends play in their lives.
Example Lesson: Self-acceptance
Explanation: Nikki embraces her unique qualities and learns to love herself, despite the opinions of her frenemies.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value their individuality and develop self-esteem, which is crucial for their mental and emotional health.