My Mother Got Married and Other Disasters (Barbara Park Reissues)
Fudge Series
on Goodreads (162)
What’s inside...
In this sequel to 'Don't Make Me Smile', Charlie Hickle's life has become a three-ring circus after his mother remarries. He struggles to adjust to the changes and longs for things to return to the way they used to be.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Charlie Hickle
Charlie'S Stepfather
Charlie's Mother
Discussion points
How do you think the main character feels about the changes happening in their family?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as the protagonist?
How important do you think family support is during big changes?
Can you think of a time when something unexpected happened in your life? How did you handle it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Validate your child's feelings by sharing your own experiences with family changes or adjustments.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to consider the emotions of each character in the story.
Highlight the importance of open communication within a family, and relate it to your family's communication style.
Reassure your child that it's normal to have mixed emotions during big life changes and that support is always available.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of change
Explanation: The protagonist, Charles, navigates the complexities of his mother remarrying, demonstrating how he learns to accept and adapt to new family dynamics.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace changes within their own families, such as the arrival of new siblings or relatives, fostering adaptability and resilience.
Example Lesson: Understanding emotions
Explanation: As Charles experiences various emotions, from anger to acceptance, the narrative provides a platform to explore and validate these feelings.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in identifying and articulating their own emotions in real-life scenarios, promoting emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: The story illustrates how Charles gradually grows to understand and empathize with his mother’s and stepfather’s perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by learning to view situations from others' points of view, thereby enhancing their interpersonal relationships and compassion.
Example Lesson: Building relationships
Explanation: Throughout the book, Charles learns to build a relationship with his new stepfather, showcasing the importance of giving new relationships a chance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open to forming new friendships and to be patient as they develop new bonds at school or in social settings.