Gimme a Call
What’s inside...
A new life is just a phone call away!Devi's life isn't turning out at all like she wanted. She wasted the past three years going out with Bryancute, adorable, break-your-heart Bryan. Devi let her friendships fade, blew off studying, didn't join any clubs . . . and now that Bryan has broken up with her, she has nothing left.Not even her stupid cell phoneshe dropped it in the mall fountain. Now it only calls one number . . . hers. At age fourteen, three years ago!Once Devi gets over the shockand convinces her younger self that she isn't some wackoshe realizes that she's been given an awesome gift. She can tell herself all the right things to do . . . because she's already done all the wrong ones! Who better to take advice from than your future self?Except . . .what if getting what you think you want changes everything?Fans of Sarah Mlynowski's Magic in Manhattan series will love this hilarious novel with a high-concept premise .From the Hardcover edition.
Age
12-18
Length
301 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Devorah 'Devi' Banks (Senior)
Bryan
Discussion points
If you could call your younger self, what advice would you give and why?
How do the main character's choices influence her journey in the story?
What do you think are the main lessons that the protagonist learns by the end of the book?
How do the relationships in the book change from beginning to end?
Tip: Role play these questions
Relate the story to the child’s current experiences or future aspirations to make the discussion more relevant.
Encourage your child to imagine alternate scenarios, asking how the story might change with different choices.
Discuss the importance of lessons learned from past mistakes, and how they can be opportunities for growth.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of decision-making
Explanation: In 'Gimme a Call', the protagonist gains the ability to communicate with her younger self, allowing her to reflect on her choices and their consequences. This element of the story highlights how decisions can shape one's future.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider the outcomes of their choices and think critically before making decisions, understanding that each choice can significantly impact their lives.
Example Lesson: Self-awareness and personal growth
Explanation: As the story progresses, the protagonist evaluates her past actions and personal growth. This introspection leads to a better understanding of herself and her desires.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to engage in self-reflection, helping them to grow and adapt based on their experiences and lessons learned along the way.
Example Lesson: The value of communication
Explanation: Communication between the protagonist’s present and past selves is central to the plot, teaching the importance of clear and thoughtful communication.
Real-World Application: Children can learn effective communication skills, understanding how to express themselves clearly and listen to others, which is fundamental in all areas of life.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: The protagonist’s ability to look back and communicate with her younger self gives her a unique perspective on her mistakes, emphasizing the value of learning from them rather than regretting.
Real-World Application: This can teach children that mistakes are a natural part of learning and growing. It encourages them to embrace their mistakes, learn from them, and move forward with new knowledge.