Jess's Story (Backyard Witch Book 2)
#2 of 3 in Backyard Witch Series
What’s inside...
The second book of the Backyard Witch series, by acclaimed authors Christine Heppermann and Ron Koertge, features Ms. M, a witch described by the Horn Book as a mixture of Mary Poppins and a stand-up comedian. This book is perfect for newly independent readers and fans of Ivy + Bean, Clementine, and the Food Network. The story follows Jess, a sports enthusiast who is disastrous in the kitchen, unlike her chef mother. When Jess's mom has the opportunity to work in a famous kitchen for a week, Jess and her friends, Sadie and Maya, attempt to cook dinner, which ends in disaster. Luckily, Ms. M, the mysterious witch, comes to their aid. Ms. M is a unique heroine who empowers others to resolve their issues themselves. The book is filled with short chapters and lively black-and-white illustrations by Deborah Marcero, making it an engaging read for young middle grade readers. It also includes a recipe and information about cooking and gardening.
Discussion points
How do you think Jess felt when she discovered the witch in her backyard? What would you do if you found a witch in your backyard?
Why do you think the witch chose to stay hidden? Do you think it's important to respect someone's privacy, even if they're different from us?
What role do Jess's friends play in the story? How can friends help us when we are facing a difficult or mysterious situation?
How do you think the story would change if there was no magic involved? What are some non-magical solutions to Jess's problems?
What did Jess learn by the end of the book? Can you think of a time when you learned something important from an unexpected experience?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Jess's shoes and imagine how they would react in similar magical situations.
Discuss the importance of privacy and respecting others' differences, drawing parallels between the witch's need for secrecy and situations in your child's life.
Highlight the value of friendship and teamwork in solving problems, asking your child about times when they relied on friends for support.
Explore alternatives to magical solutions by brainstorming realistic ways to handle challenges, enhancing problem-solving skills.
Focus on the personal growth and lessons Jess learns, prompting your child to share personal experiences where they learned something significant.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: In 'Jess's Story', the characters illustrate the importance of camaraderie and support among friends as they face their challenges together.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of building strong, supportive relationships and helping one another in times of need.
Example Lesson: Courage to face the unknown
Explanation: The book highlights characters who are brave when encountering mysterious elements in the backyard, teaching children to face fears with bravery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be confident when encountering new or unfamiliar situations in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: Characters in the story learn to be honest with each other, which resolves conflicts and deepens trust.
Real-World Application: Children are shown the positive outcomes of being truthful, promoting integrity in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The narrative allows characters to express their feelings and shows how understanding each other leads to stronger friendships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be empathetic towards their peers, facilitating better communication and emotional connections.
Example Lesson: Resilience in problem-solving
Explanation: Jess and her friends often find themselves solving puzzles, demonstrating perseverance and creative problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to approach challenges with determination and innovative thinking, skills that are beneficial in academic and personal growth.