Girls Acting Catty (Annabelle Unleashed)
#2 of 5 in Annabelle Unleashed Series
on Goodreads (1,936)
What’s inside...
For Annabelle, starting middle school has been manageable with her new group of friends and her skills in handling wild boys, akin to training puppies. However, she now faces a new challenge with Taylor and the Three Terrors, a clique of cool girls who don't like Annabelle and her friends. Despite Taylor occasionally being nice, Annabelle is unsure of her intentions and worries she may have fallen in with the wrong crowd. Leslie Margolis explores middle school dramas with humor and sensitivity, providing insights on how to navigate them.
Character compass
Annabelle Stevens
Rachel
Taylor
Discussion points
How did Annabelle's experiences at her new school compare to times you've felt like the new kid? What made her situation unique?
What lessons can be learned from the way Annabelle dealt with the 'mean girls'? How would you handle a similar situation?
How do the friendships in the book evolve over time? Can you relate to any of these changes with your own friendships?
Annabelle shows a lot of resilience throughout the book. Can you think of a time when you had to be resilient? What helped you through?
What role do you think honesty plays in Annabelle’s story? How does being truthful, or not, impact her relationships?
Tip: Role play these questions
Emphasize empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Annabelle's situation, fostering a deeper understanding of the character's emotions.
Encourage critical thinking by discussing Annabelle's decisions and exploring alternative choices she could have made in different scenarios.
Promote reflective thinking by linking the book’s themes to your child’s personal experiences, helping them relate and learn from the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Girls Acting Catty', Annabelle navigates complex interpersonal relationships and learns to understand and share the feelings of her peers.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by recognizing and respecting the feelings and perspectives of others in school or during play, fostering more harmonious interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite facing social challenges, Annabelle shows perseverance and resilience in dealing with her classmates.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to remain steadfast and optimistic even when dealing with their own friendship hurdles or any difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honest Communication
Explanation: Communication plays a key role in resolving conflicts among the characters in the book.
Real-World Application: This can guide children to openly express their thoughts and feelings in a respectful manner, helping to build stronger and healthier relationships.
Example Lesson: Self-awareness
Explanation: Annabelle comes to terms with her own emotions and actions throughout the book, leading to personal growth.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to introspect on their own behavior and emotions, aiding them in self-improvement and interpersonal dealings.
Example Lesson: Inclusivity
Explanation: The book shows the consequences of exclusive behaviors and the benefits of being inclusive.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to include others in their activities, promoting a more inclusive and supportive community environment at school or in other group settings.