If You Only Knew
#1 of 4 in The Friendship Ring Series
on Goodreads (401)
What’s inside...
Tomboyish 12-year-old Zoe navigates seventh grade friendships, including her growing relationship with quiet, serious CJ. As challenges arise, Zoe and her best friends CJ, Olivia, and Morgan support each other, reaffirming the strength of their bond. Zoe, usually unconcerned with romance, is thrown for a loop when her friend Tommy confesses his feelings for her. Torn, she suggests he ask CJ out instead, leading to a mix of emotions and a dilemma that tests her friendships.
Character compass
Morgan Miller
CJ Hurley
Olivia Pogostin
Tommy Levit
Zoe Grandon
Discussion points
What do you think about the way the characters handled their secrets? How would you handle a similar situation?
How do the relationships in the book change over time? Can you relate to any of the friendships or conflicts?
Do you think holding onto secrets had a positive or negative impact on the characters? Why?
What did you learn from the characters' mistakes or successes?
If you were in the book, what advice would you give to the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts about the book’s themes and asking your child for their opinion. This opens up a space for honest dialogue.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the events in the book and their own life experiences. Relating personally to the story can deepen their understanding and empathy.
Highlight the consequences of the characters’ actions in the book to discuss the importance of honesty and communication in real life.
Ask your child how they felt at key points in the story to engage their emotional reasoning and perspective-taking abilities.
After discussing a question, ask your child if they have any questions of their own. This encourages them to think critically and take an active role in the conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The protagonist, Gracie, learns to understand and share the feelings of her classmates, creating a more supportive environment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize emotions in others and respond with kindness and understanding, fostering better relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the book, Gracie faces various challenges but learns to overcome them with determination and courage.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persisting through difficulties and bouncing back from setbacks in school or among friends.
Example Lesson: Honesty
Explanation: Gracie learns the importance of being honest, even when it's tough, which helps in building trust with her friends and family.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by valuing truthfulness in their communications, enhancing their credibility and reliability.
Example Lesson: Self-expression
Explanation: The book shows Gracie's journey towards discovering her unique voice and confidently expressing herself.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to express their thoughts and feelings openly, promoting emotional health and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Gracie collaborates with her peers on school projects, learning the importance of working together to achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: This can be applied in children’s group activities, teaching them to cooperate and value every team member’s contribution.