Jessica Darling's It List 2: The (Totally Not) Guaranteed Guide to Friends, Foes & Faux Friends
#2 of 3 in Jessica Darling'S It List Series
on Goodreads (518)
What’s inside...
Is it impossible for old elementary-school friends and new junior-high friends to all get along as just, you know, friends? Good or bad, that's what I'm about to find out. Jessica Darling is finally getting the hang of seventh grade!Hosting an epic slumber party might even help to make Jessica popular...but is that what she really wants?New York Times bestselling author Megan McCafferty's It List series introduces readers to Jessica Darling, an unabashedly brainy seventh grader who tries to stay true to herself, even if it means being (totally not) cool.
Character compass
Jessica Darling
Discussion points
How do you think Jessica handles her challenges with friends and foes at school? Can you relate to any of her experiences?
What do you think about the choices Jessica makes in her interactions with others? What would you have done differently in her situation?
What did you learn about friendships from this book? Are there any tips you might use in your own life?
Jessica encounters various 'faux friends' in the story. Have you ever dealt with a similar situation and how did you handle it?
How did the characters in the book change by the end? What do you think caused these changes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, fostering a safe space for open communication.
Relate the scenarios in the book to your child's personal experiences in school or with friends to make the discussion more relevant.
Highlight the moral and learning points in Jessica's story to help your child navigate their own social circles.
Ask your child to think about what advice they would give Jessica and discuss the potential outcomes together.
Encourage critical thinking by discussing the personality traits and actions of different characters, asking what your child admires or would avoid emulating.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Navigating Social Challenges
Explanation: Jessica faces dilemmas that test her values and decision-making skills in managing friendships and social situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn techniques to handle peer pressure and develop their own judgment about right and wrong in social settings.
Example Lesson: Importance of Authenticity
Explanation: Jessica experiences the consequences of trying to change herself to fit in and ultimately learns the value of being true to herself.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to embrace their unique qualities and the importance of self-acceptance.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Disappointment
Explanation: The protagonist copes with setbacks in her social life, emphasizing resilience and adaptability.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to face life’s challenges and setbacks with a proactive mindset.