Pippa Park Raises Her Game
#1 of 2 in Pippa Park Series
on Goodreads (959)
What’s inside...
Life is full of great expectations for Korean American Pippa Park. When she gets a mysterious basketball scholarship to Lakeview Private, Pippa sees an opportunity to reinvent herself. Juggling friendships, a crush, and academic pressure, she must keep her family’s laundromat a secret from her elite classmates. However, anonymous hateful messages threaten to unravel her new persona. This middle school book explores themes of bullying, crushes, and self-discovery, appealing to fans of The Baby-Sitters Club and Kelly Yang's Front Desk Series. Also includes additional content like discussion questions, a Korean Language Glossary, and activities, making it perfect for classroom or library use.
Character compass
Pippa Park
Eliot Haverford
Mina Park
Caroline Haverford
Discussion points
How does Pippa handle the challenges she faces at school and in basketball? Can you relate to her feelings?
What did Pippa learn about friendship and trust throughout the story? Have you ever had a similar experience?
How do you think Pippa changed from the beginning of the book to the end?
Pippa faces lots of pressures — fitting in, basketball, family expectations. How does she manage these, and what would you do in her situation?
What role do you think courage plays in Pippa’s story? Can you share a time when you had to be courageous?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on Pippa’s journey to spark your child's interest.
Encourage your child to think about how they would feel in Pippa’s shoes to build empathy and deeper understanding.
Ask your child what they think about the decisions Pippa makes in the book to foster critical thinking.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s everyday life to make the story more relevant and impactful.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage them to ask questions about the story to keep them engaged.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: Pippa struggles with telling the truth about her background and experiences the consequences of her dishonesty, learning that it's essential to be honest with others and oneself.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by practicing honesty in their interactions and understanding that being truthful builds trust and strong relationships.
Example Lesson: Value of hard work and perseverance
Explanation: Pippa faces challenges in her new school and with her basketball team, but she learns that dedication and hard work can help overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson reinforces to children that effort and persistence are key to achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Embracing cultural identity
Explanation: Pippa comes to terms with her cultural background and learns to celebrate it, which enriches her sense of self-identity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and take pride in their own heritage and see it as a strength, fostering a positive self-image and respect for diversity.
Example Lesson: Navigating peer pressure and social acceptance
Explanation: Pippa experiences peer pressure as she tries to fit in with the popular group at school. She learns the importance of making decisions that reflect her true self.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of making choices based on their values rather than succumbing to peer pressure, promoting authenticity and self-respect.
Example Lesson: Importance of empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through her interactions with others, Pippa learns to see things from different perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to consider others' feelings and viewpoints, helping them build emotional intelligence and better social relationships.