He Said She Said
on Goodreads (1,327)
What’s inside...
Jason is a successful prosecuting attorney in Detroit who has risen from humble beginnings on the south side. Although his wife has been with him since before his success, their relationship has deteriorated since he attended law school. Jason has become a serial cheater and has no desire to end his marriage due to concerns it will be messy. Meanwhile, in a separate story, a teen novel by acclaimed author Kwame Alexander mixes social protest with a star-crossed romance, promising an exciting and thought-provoking read. Sparks will fly in this hip-hop-hot teen novel that mixes social protest and star-crossed romance, from Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Honor–winning author Kwame Alexander! He Said, She Said is perfect for fans of Walter Dean Myers and Rachel Vail alike. This paperback edition includes a Q&A with author Kwame Alexander. He Omar 'T-Diddy' Smalls has got it made—a full football ride to UMiami, hero-worship status at school, and pick of any girl at West Charleston High. She Football, shmootball. Here's what Claudia Clarke cares about: Harvard, the poor, the disenfranchised, the hungry, the staggering teen pregnancy rate, investigative journalism... the list goes on. She does not have a minute to waste on Mr. T-Diddy Smalls and his harem of bimbos. He Said, She Said is a fun and fresh novel from Kwame Alexander that throws these two high school seniors together when they unexpectedly end up leading the biggest social protest this side of the Mississippi—with a lot of help from Facebook and Twitter. The stakes are high, the romance is hot, and when these worlds collide, watch out!
Age
14-17
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Omar "T-Diddy" Smalls
Claudia Clarke
Discussion points
What do you think the main characters learned about communication by the end of the story?
How did the characters' feelings change throughout the book? Can you relate to any of their experiences?
Why do you think it is important to listen to both sides of a story before forming an opinion?
What would you have done differently if you were one of the characters in the story?
How can we apply the lessons from the book to our daily lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s theme and ask your child to do the same. This sets a comfortable environment for open discussion.
Encourage your child to think about how the characters’ experiences relate to their own life. Make connections that are personal and relatable.
Discuss the importance of effective communication and listening skills. Provide real-life examples where these skills can be applied.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to deepen the conversation.
Highlight the importance of understanding and empathy towards others, reinforcing these values through the discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding perspectives
Explanation: The story illustrates how different characters perceive the same situation differently, offering insights into the value of multiple perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this in their interactions by considering others' viewpoints before forming opinions or making decisions.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: Characters in the book face challenges that stem from misunderstandings, which are resolved through clear communication, underscoring its importance in resolving conflicts.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the need to express their thoughts and feelings clearly in both familial and peer interactions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Through character development, the book teaches the importance of empathy by showing how understanding each other's feelings can lead to stronger relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to practice empathy by being considerate and supportive in their daily interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: The book shows characters learning to appreciate and accept individual differences, which contributes to a harmonious community.
Real-World Application: This can be applied in a child’s everyday life by promoting inclusivity and respect for diversity in school and other social environments.