Les Desirable: Kick Butts (Middle School Book 5)
#5 of 6 in Middle School Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
Les Desirable: Kick Butts follows the humorous adventures of Les Desirable, a world-famous young news reporter known for his unique name given by Principal Butcher. Despite his aversion to gym class and inability to dance, Les faces a series of challenges including the dreaded 'Chicken Dance' demanded by Coach Butts at Greenville Middle School. To distract himself, Les attends a basketball game where his wheelchair-bound cousin, Bo Teak, has a chance to win big money with a center-court free throw. The story is a funny and heartwarming tale for children ages 9-12, middle school students, and adults who are young at heart, emphasizing the importance of resilience and self-acceptance.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to take the actions they did in the story?
How did the main character's perspective change from the beginning to the end of the book?
Can you relate to any of the struggles or triumphs the characters experienced?
What lessons do you think the story teaches about friendship and overcoming challenges?
If you could give advice to any character in the book, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the discussion, recall some key moments or conflicts in the book together to refresh your child’s memory.
Listen attentively to your child’s responses and provide affirmations or gentle corrections if necessary to guide the conversation.
Encourage your child to express their own feelings and opinions about the story, connecting it to their personal experiences.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's comments to delve deeper into their understanding and perspective of the book.
Discuss the moral or message of the story and relate it to real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The protagonist encounters various obstacles at school but learns to overcome them through perseverance and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by tackling their own school assignments and personal challenges with a positive attitude and persistent effort.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist relies on the support and advice of friends which teaches the value of strong, supportive friendships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to foster and value friendships in their own lives, understanding the role of friends in overcoming personal and collective challenges.
Example Lesson: Standing up for oneself
Explanation: The main character learns to assert themselves in various situations, whether dealing with bullies or unfair rules, promoting self-confidence.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of self-advocacy and learn to express their own opinions and needs respectfully in social settings.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: The book features a cast of characters from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing the importance of accepting and celebrating differences.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to embrace diversity in their own communities and to approach differences with respect and curiosity.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: As the story unfolds, the protagonist learns that their actions, both good and bad, have consequences.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to their everyday actions, understanding that their choices impact themselves and others around them.