Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone
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What’s inside...
Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone is a middle-grade novel by Tae Keller that explores themes of friendship, bullying, and the search for extraterrestrial life. The story follows Mallory Moss, who is navigating the complexities of middle school social hierarchies. When new girl Jennifer Chan arrives, claiming to believe in aliens, she quickly becomes a target for bullies. Mallory, along with other classmates, gets caught up in the ridicule, partly to avoid becoming a victim herself. However, when Jennifer mysteriously disappears, Mallory is consumed by guilt and begins to question her actions. She embarks on a journey to find Jennifer, confronting her own complicity in the bullying and learning about empathy, courage, and the importance of standing up for what is right. The novel is a poignant tale of self-discovery and the impact one can have on the lives of others.
Age
8-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mallory Moss
Jennifer Chan
Brianna
Ronald Reagan
Discussion points
How do you think Jennifer felt when she was trying to prove aliens exist? Can you relate to her feelings?
Why is it important to respect and listen to someone else's beliefs or interests, even if they are different from ours?
What would you have done if you were one of Jennifer's classmates? How could you help someone who feels left out?
How do the characters in the story change by the end? What do you think caused those changes?
What does this story teach us about friendship and bravery?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in Jennifer’s shoes, discussing her emotions and actions throughout the book.
Highlight the importance of diversity and acceptance by discussing the different characters and their perspectives.
Use examples from the book to talk about the consequences of actions, both positive and negative, to help your child understand cause and effect.
Stimulate critical thinking by discussing what your child might have done differently in various situations in the book and why.
Create a supportive environment for the conversation, reminding your child that all thoughts and feelings they share are valid and important.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The protagonist, Jennifer Chan, experiences being an outsider, which helps readers understand the feelings of those who are different or new to a community.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by being more welcoming and compassionate towards new students or peers from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: The Value of Curiosity
Explanation: Jennifer's intrigue about the world and beyond models a healthy curiosity for knowledge and discovery.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and seek out answers, cultivating a love for learning and exploration in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Courage to Stand Up for What's Right
Explanation: The story highlights moments where characters must choose to stand up for Jennifer, promoting the importance of defending others.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the significance of standing up for their peers against bullying or unfair treatment, fostering a sense of justice.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The bonds Jennifer forms despite adversities underline the sustaining power of friendships.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to build and maintain friendships, showing them how valuable relationships can enrich their lives and provide support during tough times.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: Jennifer Chan is not like everyone else, and the narrative pushes the message that being different is not just acceptable but valuable.
Real-World Application: Helps children appreciate and celebrate diversity in themselves and others, promoting inclusivity in their everyday interactions.