Nicky Deuce: Home for the Holidays
Nicky Deuce Series
on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
Nicholas Borelli II, nicknamed Nicky Deuce, finds winter in New Jersey dull compared to his vibrant summer in Brooklyn. Things change when his father hosts a New Year's Eve party, bringing Nicky's Brooklyn family to town. The lively Brooklyn accents and attitudes fill Nicky's home, with Grandma Tutti commandeering the kitchen, Uncle Frankie winning over the neighbors, and cousin Tommy becoming a local hero by standing up to a bully. However, this heroism makes Nicky and Tommy targets for revenge, revealing to Nicky that winter in New Jersey is far from boring.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Nicholas Borelli Ii (Nicky Deuce)
Uncle Frankie Borelli
Discussion points
How did Nicky's experiences during the holidays help him understand his family better?
What changes did you notice in Nicky’s character from the beginning to the end of the book?
Why do you think the author chose the holidays as the setting for this story?
How did Nicky’s perspective on his own identity evolve through his adventures?
What part of the book made you feel the most excited or surprised, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their own holiday traditions with those depicted in the book, fostering a deeper connection with the story.
Discuss Nicky’s feelings and decisions at different points in the book to help your child understand character development and empathy.
Use holiday settings in the book as a springboard to share family holiday stories and experiences, making reading a more relatable and enriching experience.
Ask your child how they would react in similar situations to Nicky, which can help them apply the story to their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of family and tradition
Explanation: In 'Nicky Deuce: Home for the Holidays', Nicky experiences the warmth and love of being surrounded by family during the holiday season, emphasizing traditional values and the significance of family gatherings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and participate in family traditions and gatherings, understanding the importance of bonding and cherishing moments with loved ones.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and open-mindedness
Explanation: Nicky, originally from a different environment, adjusts to the new cultural settings and family traditions. This demonstrates his ability to be open and adaptable to unfamiliar situations.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to embrace new environments and cultures, fostering adaptability and open-mindedness in diverse situations.
Example Lesson: Respect for elders
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nicky learns from his grandparents and other elder family members, showing respect and valuing their wisdom and stories.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to respect and learn from older generations, understanding the importance of their experiences and guidance.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: Nicky learns the joy that comes from giving to others during the holiday season, experiencing firsthand the happiness it brings to both the giver and the receiver.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of generosity and the positive impact they can have on others' lives through simple acts of kindness.