Kissing Kate
on Goodreads (10,188)
What’s inside...
Sixteen-year-old Lissa's relationship with her best friend, Kate, changes after they kiss at a party. Lissa is left confused and alone as Kate starts ignoring her. Lissa questions everything she knew about herself and life. With the help of a new, free-spirited friend, Lissa begins to find strength and realizes that falling in love with the wrong person can help her find her footing.
Age
12-17
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lissa
Ariel
Kate
Discussion points
How did the relationship between Kate and Lissa change throughout the story, and what do you think caused those changes?
Why do you think Lissa felt confused about her feelings for Kate? How do you handle confusing feelings?
In the book, Lissa struggles with peer pressure and worrying about what others think. Can you share a time when you felt the same way?
What does the title 'Kissing Kate' signify in the story? What importance does it have in Lissa's journey?
How do the characters in the story show courage and support? Who would you go to for support in tough times?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage open-mindedness by discussing the themes of friendship and personal identity before reading the book together.
Help your child to express their thoughts and feelings by sharing your own experiences related to the book's topics.
Promote empathy by asking how they would feel in Lissa or Kate’s situation, guiding them to understand different perspectives.
Reinforce the book’s lessons by connecting them to real-life situations your child might encounter pertaining to friendship and honesty.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to think of how they would end the story differently and why, to foster creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of others' differences
Explanation: The book explores themes of self-discovery and acceptance as the characters come to understand and accept varying sexual orientations.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to embrace diversity in people around them and promotes inclusivity in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: The importance of self-identity
Explanation: The protagonist’s journey reflects on understanding and accepting one’s own identity, which is crucial in her path to self-acceptance.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and be confident in their own identity, fostering self-awareness and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Handling complex emotions
Explanation: The narrative tackles the complexity of emotions that come with adolescence, highlighting how characters navigate feelings of confusion and affection.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that it’s normal to experience a range of emotions and equips them with strategies to manage them effectively.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: The story underscores how friendships can evolve and sometimes become complicated, showing the importance of communication and understanding.
Real-World Application: Imparts on children the significance of nurturing friendships, communicating openly, and resolving conflicts amicably.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Characters in the book face emotional and social challenges, showing resilience as they navigate through them.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to remain resilient and adaptive when confronted with obstacles, emphasizing that perseverance is key to overcoming difficulties.