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Nobody Does It Better

#7 of 13 in Gossip Girl Series

3.60
on Goodreads (12,716)

What’s inside...

The uptown girls are headed downtown as Serena and Jenny take on their new fabulous roles as rock-star model girlfriends of New York's hottest band, The Raves. Meanwhile, Dan is too busy drowning his sorrows in empty bottles to notice a mysterious French beauty who has a penchant for dirty, Jim Morrison-wannabe lead singers. Blair takes residence at the Plaza to think about her future. Will she become a gun-toting international spy or Manhattan's snobbiest society hostess? Decisions are so difficult! Sounds like everyone needs a day off at the spa. And Senior Spa Day promises to serve up further doses of scandal for New York's busiest private-school vixens. Welcome to New York City's Upper East Side, where my friends and I get everything - and everyone - we want. Snagging the latest Marc Jacobs bag or your best friend's boyfriend isn't always pretty, but it's always hot. Enter the world of Gossip Girl - a world where everyone is gorgeous, everything is fabulous, and jealousy and betrayal are everywhere you look. It's springtime and our lives are really heating up. Everybody's into college, and it's obviously time to party - as if we hadn't been doing that already! Now that B's finally lost her virginity to N, she can't wait to do it again (and again). But will B and N's love affair continue? And will B finally get into Yale? Or will N and S hook up and leave B alone in the city? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: love is in the air, and it smells a lot like Gucci Envy. You know you love me, gossip girl
Series reading

Sequential

Age

14-15

Length

256 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Blair Waldorf
Vanessa Abrams
Jenny Humphrey
Serena van der Woodsen
Dan Humphrey
Nate Archibald
Chuck Bass
Charles "Chuck" Bass

Discussion points

How do you think Blair felt when she was faced with her challenge? Have you ever felt the same way?
What do you think the main characters learned by the end of the story?
Why is it important to sometimes work as a team, as shown in the book?
How do the characters' actions show what they value most?
What would you have done differently if you were in Nate's situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters’ decisions, promoting empathy and moral reasoning.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s daily experiences to make the discussion more relevant and engaging.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next after pivotal moments, enhancing their analytical thinking and engagement with the narrative.
Discuss the consequences of the characters' actions, and explore alternative choices and potential outcomes.
Highlight the teamwork aspects in the story, and relate them to your child's experiences in school or group activities.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: The importance of integrity
Explanation: In 'Nobody Does It Better', characters face various situations where they must choose to either stand by their principles or compromise their values for temporary gains.
Real-World Application: Children learn that maintaining integrity shapes a respected and trustworthy character, essential in building lasting relationships and a positive reputation.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Throughout the book, actions of the characters lead to various consequences, some immediate and some longer-term, showing the direct link between what we do and the outcomes that follow.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think critically about the potential outcomes of their decisions and to consider the consequences before acting.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: The story portrays deep connections between characters, emphasizing how true friendships can provide support and understanding in challenging times.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to nurture their friendships, be supportive and seek positive, understanding relationships with their peers.
Example Lesson: Dealing with peer pressure
Explanation: Characters in the book often face peer pressure and must decide whether to follow the crowd or stand up for their own beliefs and desires.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of making their own choices, rather than being swayed by others, fostering independence and self-confidence.

Nobody Does It Better by Cecily Von Ziegesar