Freaked Out (Lizzie Mcguire)
#15 of 24 in Lizzie McGuire Series
on Goodreads (193)
What’s inside...
When Lizzie and her little brother Matt find themselves trapped in each other's bodies, mayhem ensues at school and at home, and Lizzie is sure Fright Night at Hillridge Junior High will be a disaster with Matt in attendance. If Lizzie thinks her little brother Matt can't get any freakier, she's about to learn she is way wrong. When Lizzie and Matt suddenly switch bodies, Lizzie starts to see how warped her little brother's world really is-firsthand! Meanwhile, Matt's gotten into Lizzie's head (literally!) And he's causing all sorts of trouble as his own big sister! How will Lizzie get back into her own body, and out of this nightmare! Plus, in Part Two, weird things start to happen at the Hillridge Junior High Halloween dance!
Character compass
Lizzie Mcguire
Matt Mcguire
David "Gordo" Gordon
Miranda Sanchez
Kate Sanders
Discussion points
How do you think Lizzie felt when she faced her fears in the book? Can you relate to any of her emotions?
What are some ways Lizzie showed courage? Have you ever done something similar?
How did Lizzie's friends and family help her throughout the story? Why is support important when we're scared?
What is one thing you learned from Lizzie's experience?
If you were in Lizzie's shoes, how would you have handled the situations she was in?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, ensure to match Lizzie's experiences with real-life situations your child might encounter to make it more relatable.
Encourage your child to share their thoughts and emotions about the book’s events, mirroring Lizzie’s openness in expressing her fears.
Utilize the discussion to teach resilience and the importance of facing fears, drawing parallels to Lizzie's courage in the book.
Ask your child how they think the story could continue, or how they might write a different ending, to stimulate their creative thinking and engagement with the storyline.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: Throughout the book, Lizzie learns that hiding the truth or lying can lead to a series of problems and misunderstandings among friends and family.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the value of transparency and integrity in their daily interactions, encouraging trust and open communication in friendships and family relationships.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of oneself and others
Explanation: Lizzie encounters various situations that teach her to appreciate her own unique qualities and those of others around her.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children embrace individual differences and promotes self-esteem and respect for others, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in social settings.
Example Lesson: Dealing with peer pressure
Explanation: Lizzie faces challenges where she has to make decisions that might not align with the group's expectations but are right for her.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to make decisions based on their values and beliefs rather than conforming to peer expectations, empowering them to make healthy choices.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Support
Explanation: As Lizzie navigates her personal and school life, the support from her family plays a crucial role in her resilience and confidence.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the importance of a supportive family environment in a child’s development and encourages open communication and support within the family unit.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Throughout her adventures, Lizzie shows resilience when things don’t go as planned, learning from her experiences and moving forward.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that setbacks are part of life and that persistence and a positive attitude can help overcome challenges, fostering adaptability and problem-solving skills.