Mary-Kate & Ashley Sweet 16 #15: California Dreams: (California Dreams) (MARY-KATE AND ASHLEY SWEET 16)
#15 in Sweet Sixteen Series
on Goodreads (103)
What’s inside...
Ashley lands a summer job with Ava, the top wedding planner in Beverly Hills, and helps plan the wedding of one of Hollywood's most glamorous couples. Meanwhile, Mary-Kate works as a lifeguard at the Malibu Beach Club, where she finds that the job is not only about saving lives, but also about meeting guys. As the summer unfolds, Mary-Kate embarks on the most romantic journey of her life.
Character compass
Mary-Kate
Ashley
Discussion points
What challenges did Mary-Kate and Ashley face in 'California Dreams', and how did they handle them?
How do the twins' experiences in California compare to their life back home? What would you feel if you were in their shoes?
What values can you learn from Mary-Kate and Ashley's adventures and choices in the story?
How do the relationships between the characters evolve throughout the book? Which relationship changes the most?
If you could give advice to either Mary-Kate or Ashley in the book, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the character's decisions and how they might handle similar situations differently. Use examples from the book to highlight themes of friendship, adaptability, and personal growth. Don't shy away from discussing any concerns they might have about changes or challenges, linking them back to the twins' experiences in the book. Lastly, emphasize the importance of supporting each other through changes, much like the characters do, to foster empathy and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: The story emphasizes the value of maintaining strong and supportive friendships through the adventures and challenges faced by the characters.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture their friendships, understanding that true friends provide support and joy in their lives.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and decision-making
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters are faced with various decisions that test their responsibility and judgment.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically about their choices and consider the consequences of their actions in their day-to-day activities.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: The characters’ experiences in new settings highlight the importance of being adaptable when faced with new or unfamiliar situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace change positively, using it as an opportunity for growth and learning in their own lives.