The Baby-Sitters Club Series
Jessi's Big Break
on Goodreads (511)
What’s inside...
After a thrilling three-week dance program in New York City, Jessi is invited to join the Dance New York education program full-time and faces the possibility of leaving Stoneybrook and all her friends.
Age
7-10
Length
137 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Discussion points
How did Jessi feel when she faced challenges in her big break, and what did she do to overcome them?
What did Jessi learn about friendship and teamwork throughout her journey?
Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to achieve a goal, like Jessi did?
What does this story teach us about perseverance and believing in oneself?
If you were Jessi, how would you have handled the situations presented in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate Jessi's experiences to their own life, sparking deeper understanding and empathy. Discuss the challenges Jessi faces, and compare them to any similar situations your child might have encountered. Emphasize the importance of teamwork and support in achieving goals, as shown in the book. Praise your child’s insights and connections they make during the discussion, fostering a positive and encouraging environment for sharing thoughts and feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: Jessi demonstrates perseverance as she faces various challenges in her ballet journey, showing determination and persistence.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of sticking to their goals, whether in academic, sports, or personal endeavors, despite the challenges they face.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, Jessi learns to collaborate with others in her ballet class, realizing that success often comes from working effectively with others.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of cooperation and teamwork in school projects, family chores, or playing sports.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: Jessi encounters and embraces cultural diversity in the world of ballet, which broadens her perspective and appreciation for different backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be open and accepting of their peers who may come from diverse cultures and backgrounds, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Dealing with criticism constructively
Explanation: The book demonstrates how Jessi handles constructive criticism from her instructors, using it to improve her ballet skills.
Real-World Application: This teaches children how to accept feedback positively and use it for personal growth, whether from teachers, peers, or family members.
Example Lesson: Balancing activities
Explanation: Jessi learns to balance her passion for ballet with school and other responsibilities, illustrating the importance of time management.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to prioritize their tasks and manage their time effectively between schoolwork, hobbies, and family time.