#5 in Junie B. Jones Series
Junie B Jones Is Not a Crook
on Goodreads (8,597)
What’s inside...
In this book, Junie B. Jones experiences the moral conflict of keeping a shiny new pen that she found, despite knowing that it doesn't belong to her. The book explores themes of honesty, integrity, and the importance of doing what is right.
Character compass
Discussion points
Why do you think Junie B. felt the need to keep the pen she found? What would you do if you were in her shoes?
How did Junie B. react when she realized her furry mittens were missing? How do you feel when you lose something important?
What do you think about how Junie B. handled her feelings of frustration and disappointment? Can you think of other ways she might have dealt with her emotions?
How did the story show the importance of honesty and returning things that don't belong to us? Have you ever found something and returned it?
What did Junie B. learn by the end of the book about friendship and trust?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive read-aloud techniques to capture Junie B.'s emotions, making it easier for your child to understand and relate to her feelings.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child how they think Junie B. might be feeling, encouraging them to empathize with her situation.
Discuss the moral choices in the story, prompting your child to think about what they would do in similar circumstances and why.
Relate the story’s themes to your child’s experiences, such as a time when they lost something or found an item, to make the conversation more relevant.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or write about a time when they faced a similar dilemma as Junie B., reinforcing the themes of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Honesty
Explanation: Junie B. faces a moral dilemma when she finds a wonderful pen and considers keeping it, despite knowing it belongs to someone else. Her internal struggle and the ultimate decision to return the pen highlights the importance of honesty.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of being honest, even when they might be tempted to do otherwise. This lesson helps them understand that returning items that aren’t theirs is the right thing to do.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: When Junie B. learns that her classmate has lost a beloved pen, she begins to empathize with their sadness, influencing her choice to return the pen.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider the feelings of others and understand the impact their actions can have on someone else's emotions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, Junie B. learns about taking responsibility for her actions. She struggles but ultimately makes the responsible choice by returning the pen.
Real-World Application: This instills in children the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and belongings.
Example Lesson: Resolving Conflict
Explanation: Junie B. navigates various personal conflicts in the story, such as dealing with her feelings when her new furry mittens are stolen.
Real-World Application: Children learn strategies to resolve conflicts and cope with challenging emotions in a constructive manner.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Junie B. explores what it means to be a good friend, even when faced with tough choices about honesty and possessions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and nurture friendships by being honest and considerate toward their friends.