Me Myself Milly
What’s inside...
Milly's had enough of living in her twin's shadow. What happened to Milly last summer? She can't talk about it. Instead, she's writing in her journal about growing up in the shadow of her twin sister Lily and about the American boy who's moved in upstairs, who also has a secret he's not telling. Milly can't keep her secret forever - can she?
Age
12-13
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Milly
Discussion points
What do you think Milly feels when she discovers her sister Miranda's secret?
How did Milly change throughout the story and what caused these changes?
Why is it important for Milly to understand her own identity and how does she go about discovering it?
What role do friends and family play in Milly's journey and how do they affect her decisions?
How would you have reacted in some of the situations Milly faced and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about Milly’s experiences, drawing parallels to their own life to deepen the connection with the story.
Discuss the concept of identity and personal growth, asking your child how they perceive themselves and what makes them unique.
Analyze the relationships in the story together, considering how each character’s actions impact Milly’s thoughts and decisions.
Utilize the themes of discovery and secrets to teach important values of honesty, curiosity, and resilience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Identity and Self-Discovery
Explanation: The protagonist, Milly, embarks on a journey of self-discovery after experiencing a major life change. Through her journey, young readers learn about the significance of understanding themselves and embracing their identities.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by reflecting on their own feelings and thoughts, recognizing what makes them unique, and learning to value these aspects in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Change
Explanation: Milly's story highlights how she copes with the shift from her known environment to a new, unfamiliar setting. This transition mirrors real-life changes children might face, such as moving to a new city or changing schools.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that change is a part of life. They can learn coping strategies like seeking support from family and friends, or expressing their feelings through art or journaling.
Example Lesson: Building Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the book, Milly faces various challenges but learns to overcome them, demonstrating resilience. This trait is crucial for personal development and overcoming life's obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and not be discouraged by setbacks. This can be applied in overcoming academic difficulties, dealing with peer pressure, or adapting to new family dynamics.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family and Support Systems
Explanation: Milly's relationship with her family and friends plays a pivotal role in her journey. The story emphasizes the importance of having a support system in dealing with life’s challenges.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to appreciate and seek support from their own family and friends. This can manifest in sharing their worries and celebrating successes, fostering stronger relationships.