Girl Meets Boy (Penguin Readers)
All Aboard Reading Series
on Goodreads (173)
What’s inside...
Donna meets Mark on a boat to Spain and they both like each other. However, tension arises when Mark sees Donna dancing with his brother, Dave, leading to questions about Donna's true feelings. 'Penguin Readers' is a series designed to help students at various levels improve their English reading skills through simplified novels, film novelizations, and original titles. The series includes a range of difficulty levels and categories, along with accompanying exercises and materials to aid both students and teachers. Pearson English Readers aim to enhance language learning through engaging stories, helping learners increase their vocabulary, comprehension, and overall English abilities.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-15
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the girl felt when she first met the boy? What are some clues from the story that make you think that?
What did the characters learn about each other that changed their initial thoughts? Can you think of a time when you changed your opinion about someone?
What role do friendship and empathy play in this story? Why are these important in our lives?
How did the characters work through their disagreements? What strategies can we use when we disagree with someone?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the characters' shoes, fostering empathy and understanding. Discuss similar situations from their own lives to make connections to the book's themes. Reinforce the importance of open-mindedness and friendship through personal anecdotes and examples, making the story relevant and relatable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Gender Equality
Explanation: The story showcases a brother and a sister who explore the gender roles through a series of familial and social situations, enlightening young readers about the importance of gender equality.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by treating all peers equally regardless of gender, and recognizing that their capabilities are not defined by gender stereotypes.
Example Lesson: Importance of Cooperation
Explanation: The siblings in the story must work together to solve problems, demonstrating the value of cooperation.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the significance of teamwork in achieving common goals, which they can practice in school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Respecting Differences
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter and learn to appreciate different perspectives and ways of life, promoting a message of respect and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to embrace diversity in their everyday interactions, learning from others' experiences and viewpoints to enrich their own understanding of the world.
Example Lesson: Developing Empathy
Explanation: As the siblings face various challenges and dilemmas, the narrative highlights their emotional growth and the development of empathy.
Real-World Application: Kids can use this skill to relate to their friends' feelings and situations, fostering stronger, supportive relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience Through Challenges
Explanation: The protagonists overcome obstacles and grow stronger, teaching children about resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial as it equips children to handle setbacks and challenges in school or their personal lives with a positive attitude and determination.