Peppermint Cocoa Crushes: A Swirl Novel (2)
#2 of 6 in Swirl Series
on Goodreads (115)
What’s inside...
Friends, cocoa, crushes... catastrophe! Sasha is so excited for the holiday season, filled with snow, gifts, and peppermint cocoa. She and her friends are participating in the Holidaze Spectacular, a school variety show competition, with hopes to win the grand prize. Sasha is also dealing with her growing feelings for her friend Kevin, and wants to confess her crush. However, things start to unravel as her friend Karly gets caught up in quiz bowl, her relationship with Kevin isn't progressing, and she is overwhelmed with rehearsals, homework, and volunteer work. Sasha must navigate through these challenges, fix her friendship with Karly, make sense of her feelings for Kevin, and seize her moment in the spotlight.
Discussion points
What did you think about how the characters in the book handled their friendships and challenges?
How would you feel if you were in a similar situation like Maddie in the story? What would you do differently?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a tough decision like the characters in the book? What helped you decide?
What does the title 'Peppermint Cocoa Crushes' mean to you after reading the story?
What lesson do you think the author wanted us to learn from Maddie's experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story, validating their opinions and experiences.
Ask your child to compare different characters' actions and discuss the consequences of those actions.
Discuss the importance of empathy by asking your child how they think different characters in the book felt during key moments.
Invite your child to imagine alternate endings for the story to foster creativity and problem-solving skills.
Tie discussions back to real-life scenarios your child may face, helping them connect the lessons from the book to their own experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The story of 'Peppermint Cocoa Crushes' revolves around the protagonist's interactions and relationships with her friends, highlighting the value of friendship.
Real-World Application: Children learn to nurture their relationships and understand the importance of trust, support, and communication among friends.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As characters face various personal challenges, the narrative encourages readers to put themselves in others' shoes, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: This theme helps children grasp the concept of understanding different perspectives and being compassionate in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The book includes scenarios where the characters encounter problems that they need to solve, often requiring creative thinking and collaboration.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these problem-solving strategies in school projects or daily challenges, enhancing their critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Characters in the book learn to take responsibility for their actions, which is crucial for personal development.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in understanding the importance of being accountable for their choices and actions in their everyday lives.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the story, the main character faces setbacks but learns to overcome them, thus showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to adopt a resilient mindset when facing their own challenges, whether in academic or personal spheres.