#6 in Dork Diaries Series
Dork Diaries Tales from a Not-So-Happy Birthday
on Goodreads (7,162)
What’s inside...
In this 13th installment of the Dork Diaries series, Nikki Maxwell’s birthday party planning goes awry when a misunderstanding leads to a social blunder. Nikki is left in a tricky situation and needs to come up with a solution fast, before her birthday becomes a complete disaster.
Character compass
Discussion points
How do you think Nikki felt when her birthday plans started to go wrong? Can you relate to her feelings?
What are some ways Nikki’s friends showed their support? Have your friends ever helped you in a similar way?
Nikki had to adapt to unexpected changes. What would you do if you were in her shoes?
How does Nikki’s story inspire you to handle difficult situations?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s situations, comparing them to their own experiences.
Discuss the importance of friendship and support, asking your child about times they felt supported by their friends.
Highlight Nikki's problem-solving skills and resilience, prompting your child to think about how they can apply similar skills in their own life.
Use examples from the book to discuss the value of adaptability and a positive attitude in the face of challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of empathy
Explanation: The protagonist, Nikki, demonstrates empathy by understanding her friends' feelings and helping them navigate their personal challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be considerate of others’ feelings and perspectives, fostering stronger and more supportive friendships.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, Nikki faces various obstacles in planning her birthday party, yet she continues to strive for a successful celebration.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties, encouraging resilience and determination in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Creativity in problem-solving
Explanation: Nikki uses her creativity to overcome limitations during party planning, turning potential disasters into unique opportunities.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by using imaginative thinking to solve problems, enhancing their ability to innovate and adapt.
Example Lesson: Significance of honesty
Explanation: Characters in the story learn the consequences of deception and the benefits of being truthful, particularly in interpersonal relationships.
Real-World Application: This emphasizes to children the importance of honesty in building trust and integrity in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Building self-confidence
Explanation: Nikki’s journey in organizing her own birthday celebration helps her to gain confidence in her abilities and decisions.
Real-World Application: Children learn that taking initiative and facing challenges can lead to personal growth and a stronger sense of self.