Luce and the Weird Kid (Hippo Cafe Club)
#3 in Hippo Cafe Club Series
on Goodreads (55)
What’s inside...
Nothing seems to be working out for Luce. Her mum is giving her grief, she's been grounded, her hair's gone purple, and now the weird kid has got her into deep trouble at the cafe. She has to prove that the trouble in the cafe wasn't her fault.
Discussion points
How do you think Luce felt when she first met the Weird Kid? Can you relate to her feelings?
What changes did you notice in Luce's behavior throughout the story, and what do you think caused those changes?
Why is it important to be kind and accepting of others, even if they seem different at first?
What would you do if you met someone like the Weird Kid? How would you make them feel welcomed?
What did you learn from the story about friendships and understanding others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to consider how they would feel in Luce’s position, helping them connect emotionally with the story.
Highlight key moments in the story where characters show growth or change, and discuss these transformations with your child to reinforce the message.
Use examples from personal experiences or observations that relate to the book’s themes to make the book more relevant and impactful for your child.
Discuss the importance of inclusivity and acceptance, and ask your child about times they have felt included or excluded to deepen their understanding of the book’s lessons.
Praise your child’s responses and insights during the discussion to boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: In 'Luce and the Weird Kid,' the protagonist learns to appreciate the uniqueness of the new kid in class, who initially seems strange to her. As the story unfolds, Luce discovers that everyone has something special about them.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing diverse friends at school, understanding that everyone brings something unique to the table.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters develop strong bonds and support each other, showcasing the importance of forming meaningful relationships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to foster supportive friendships in their own lives, emphasizing cooperation and empathy.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Fears
Explanation: Luce confronts her initial fear and misunderstanding of the 'weird' new student. This narrative arc highlights the importance of overcoming personal fears and misconceptions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears, whether it's meeting new people or trying new activities, fostering personal growth and confidence.
Example Lesson: Value of Inclusivity
Explanation: The story promotes inclusivity as Luce and her friends integrate the new kid into their group, despite their initial reservations.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of including others, regardless of differences, promoting a sense of community and belonging in social settings.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: By the end of the book, Luce not only accepts but understands and empathizes with the new kid, highlighting a shift from tolerance to true empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop deeper emotional intelligence by encouraging them to put themselves in others' shoes and understand different perspectives.