Nicky Deuce: Welcome to the Family
Once/Now/Then/After Series
on Goodreads (59)
What’s inside...
It's July, and Nicholas Borelli II's parents are going on a cruise, leaving him to attend Camp Wannameka as usual. However, due to a septic system explosion, the camp is canceled, and Nicholas must stay with his grandmother in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, instead. Initially reluctant, Nicholas's perspective on Brooklyn and his family begins to change after he experiences the local culture, tastes his grandma Tutti's meatballs, receives a nickname from his uncle Frankie, and makes a new friend in the neighborhood.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
178 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Nicholas Borelli Ii
Uncle Frankie
Discussion points
What did you think about Nicky’s transformation from being a suburban kid to adapting to Brooklyn's lifestyle? How do you think you would adjust in a similar situation?
What lessons do you think Nicky learned from his experiences in Brooklyn? Can you think of any personal experiences where you learned something similar?
How did Nicky’s opinion of his family change throughout the book? Why do you think family is important?
What role do you think humor played in the interactions between Nicky and the other characters? Can you share a time when humor helped you in a difficult situation?
If you could give Nicky one piece of advice at the start of his adventure, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own thoughts on Nicky’s character development and transformations to help your child feel comfortable sharing their views.
Encourage your child to compare their personal experiences with those of Nicky, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and learning in new environments.
Discuss the significance of family and supportive relationships highlighting how Nicky’s relationship with his relatives evolves. Tie it back to your family values.
Use humor from the book to keep the conversation light and engaging. This can make discussing serious themes more accessible for your child.
Prompt your child to think critically by asking what advice they would have given Nicky and why, which helps in developing their problem-solving skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: Throughout 'Nicky Deuce: Welcome to the Family,' the protagonist learns the significance of strong family ties as he spends time with his extended family in Brooklyn, which positively shapes his character and understanding of family values.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and cherish their family connections, promoting a supportive and caring environment at home.
Example Lesson: Adapting to New Environments
Explanation: Nicky initially struggles but eventually adapts to the starkly different urban environment of Brooklyn compared to his usual suburban life, showcasing resilience and openness to change.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be flexible and courageous when facing new situations or environments, whether it be a new school, city, or social setting.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Accepting Cultural Differences
Explanation: As Nicky immerses himself in the Brooklyn lifestyle, he learns about new cultural perspectives and diverse ways of life, which helps him build more inclusive viewpoints.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by embracing diversity in their communities and learning from others' experiences and backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Value of Hard Work
Explanation: Nicky observes and learns about the diligence and dedication of family members in their day-to-day lives, which instills a strong work ethic in him.
Real-World Application: This instills in children the importance of dedication and effort in achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal pursuits.