Emily Posts
What’s inside...
Emily is the ringleader for her school podcast, Cedarview Speaks - Sponsored by CoastFresh! But her plans for middle-school fame and social media influence are derailed when Amelie joins her eighth-grade class. The new arrival has a seemingly endless supply of confidence and a gift for leading people. Or leading them astray, as far as Emily's concerned. Emily puts her old-fashioned sense of etiquette into practice. Rather than confronting Amelie, she focuses her energy on creating a podcast story about an upcoming climate march. But her story is censored by the school principal. When she protests, Emily gets cut from the podcast crew and Amelie takes her place! Can Emily use her influence to spread the news of the climate march, reclaim her place on the podcast team and expose the flaws of CoastFresh? Can she balance her impeccable manners with twenty-first century activism? And how will she ever manage to work alongside Amelie? With a light touch and plenty of humor, Emily Posts explores themes of leadership, activism, and collaboration in this engaging tale for middle school readers.
Age
10-12
Length
264 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did Emily learn about manners at the dinner table, and why do you think they are important?
How did Emily feel when she made a mistake, and what did she do to fix it?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone feel better like Emily did in the story?
Why is it important to say 'please' and 'thank you'?
How do you think good manners can make our daily interactions better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to share personal experiences that relate to Emily’s journey in the book. This can make the discussion more relatable and engaging.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers or when they make connections to their own behavior, reinforcing positive actions.
Use examples from the book to highlight the importance of manners in different settings, such as at home, school, or in public places.
Ask follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child’s understanding, ensuring a more comprehensive discussion about the themes presented in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Politeness
Explanation: Throughout 'Emily Posts,' the protagonist, Emily, demonstrates the power and impact of using good manners and being polite to everyone around her. Her interactions are laced with courtesy which affects how others respond to her positively.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by using polite words like 'please' and 'thank you' in their daily interactions, fostering a respectful and kind environment at home, school, and with friends.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Respecting Differences
Explanation: Emily interacts with a diverse cast of characters, learning about different cultures and viewpoints. This helps her—and the readers—understand the importance of diversity and empathy.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to be curious and open about learning from classmates and neighbors who might come from different backgrounds, promoting inclusiveness and tolerance.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: Emily faces various challenges in the book but she persistently works through them, demonstrating resilience. This highlights the idea that obstacles can be overcome through determination and hard work.
Real-World Application: Children learn to not give up easily, whether it’s dealing with a difficult school assignment or resolving a conflict with a peer, understanding that persistence is key to achieving goals.
Example Lesson: Benefits of Reading and Learning
Explanation: Emily often turns to books for solutions and inspiration, which showcases the importance of reading and continuous learning in problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to read more and use educational resources to navigate their own challenges and curiosities.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: In several scenarios, Emily chooses to be honest, even when it's difficult. This honesty builds trust and respect among her peers and adults.
Real-World Application: Children can see the benefit of being truthful in their daily lives, understanding how honesty fosters trust in relationships and is valued by society.