School. Hasn't This Gone on Long Enough? (Dear Dumb Diary Year Two #1)
#13 in Dear Dumb Diary Series
on Goodreads (2,524)
What’s inside...
Bestselling author Jim Benton returns with a brand-new spin on the popular Dear Dumb Diary series in 'Dear Dumb Diary: Year Two'. Jamie Kelly continues to navigate middle school, grappling with school issues, grades, and life's big questions through her hilarious diary entries. The diary format remains laugh-out-loud funny, providing a fresh look and a fun twist, capturing another year of Jamie's life that promises to be even dumber.
Character compass
Jamie Kelly
Isabella
Angeline
Discussion points
What do you think Jamie Kelly learned about friendship in this story?
How would you handle a situation like Jamie's at your school?
What was your favorite part of Jamie's diary entries and why?
How do the illustrations add to the story, and which one is your favorite?
If you could give Jamie advice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own school experiences related to Jamie’s, to make the conversation relatable.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about school and friendships, referencing specific events in the book to guide the conversation.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book they found memorable, then discuss why it stood out to them.
Use humor found in the book to keep the discussion light and engaging, mimicking the book’s tone.
Prompt your child to think about how they would continue Jamie’s diary, fostering creative thinking and deeper connection to the character.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist faces various school challenges and misunderstandings among peers, reflecting the importance of considering others' feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be more considerate and mindful of others' emotions, aiding in social interactions and the building of friendships.
Example Lesson: Importance of Communication
Explanation: The story highlights various scenarios where communication mishaps lead to problems among classmates, underscoring the value of clear and honest communication.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by openly sharing their thoughts and listening to others, thus improving their relationships and resolving conflicts effectively.
Example Lesson: Personal Growth and Self-Reflection
Explanation: The main character goes through personal growth by reflecting on her experiences and choices in the diary format of the book, which encourages self-awareness and critical thinking.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to introspect about their actions and decisions, fostering personal development and maturity.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Facing Challenges
Explanation: The book portrays multiple situations where characters have to navigate school and personal challenges, illustrating the importance of perseverance and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to stay determined and keep pushing forward in the face of difficulties, which is a valuable skill both in school and life.