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Here's to Us

#2 in What If It's Us Series

4.02
on Goodreads (34,558)

What’s inside...

Ben has spent his first year of college working on his fantasy manuscript with his writing partner Mario, who is a great Spanish tutor, and an even better kisser. So why can’t he stop thinking about the fact that Arthur’s back in town two years after they called it quits? Arthur is in New York for a dream internship on Broadway, with a boyfriend back at home that he couldn't be happier with. But when he comes upon Ben cuddled up with a mystery boy, he starts to wonder if his feelings for Ben ever truly went away. Even as the boys try to focus on their futures, they can't seem to help running into each other in the present. Is the universe forcing them to question if they’re actually meant to be? Possibly not. After all, things didn’t work the first time around. Possibly yes. After all, the sparks are still flying. Sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith and raise a glass. Here’s to celebrating old friends! Here’s to embracing new beginnings! Here’s to believing in second chances!

Why read this book

  • Captures the essence of friendship and growth.
  • Encourages empathy and understanding among young readers.
  • Explores themes of acceptance and self-discovery.
  • Ideal for family bonding over shared reading time.
In series
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

14-17

Length

448 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Ben Alejo
Arthur Seuss
Mikey
Mario
Dylan

Discussion points

What did you think about the friendship between the main characters? How do they support each other?
How do the characters handle challenges and disagreements? What can we learn from their experiences?
What does this story teach us about forgiveness and second chances?
How do you think the characters grow or change throughout the story? Which character do you relate to the most and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by sharing your own insights or favorite moments from 'Here's to Us' to create an open atmosphere. Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, emphasizing that there are no right or wrong answers. Use the discussion to explore themes like friendship, growth, and forgiveness, connecting them to your child’s personal experiences. This will help deepen their understanding and appreciation of the narrative.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book 'Here's to Us' by Becky Albertalli showcases characters from diverse backgrounds with different perspectives, highlighting the importance of empathy by demonstrating how understanding each other's feelings and viewpoints can lead to stronger relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by acknowledging their peers' feelings and viewpoints during interactions, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment at school and in social settings.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: In the story, characters navigate complex relationships, underscoring the value of true friendship and showing how genuine connections can provide emotional support and stability.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value and nurture their friendships, understanding the role of trust and support in building lasting relationships.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Change
Explanation: Characters in 'Here's to Us' face various changes, both in their personal lives and relationships, teaching readers about adaptability and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace change positively in their lives, such as moving to a new school or adjusting to a new family dynamic, using the coping strategies demonstrated by the characters.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: The book promotes self-acceptance through characters who learn to embrace their unique traits and qualities, despite external pressures and expectations.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate their individuality and build self-esteem, encouraging them to be confident in who they are regardless of societal norms or peer pressure.
Example Lesson: Resolving Conflicts
Explanation: Through the interactions of its characters, ‘Here’s to Us’ illustrates effective communication and compromise as means to resolving conflicts, emphasizing the importance of understanding and teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can use these strategies to resolve everyday disputes with siblings, friends, and classmates, ensuring more harmonious and productive interactions.