Serena Says
on Goodreads (308)
What’s inside...
Award-winning author Tanita S. Davis delivers a heartwarming and humorous middle-grade tale about finding one's voice and speaking out, now available in paperback. JC shines like a 4th of July sparkler with the best ideas and an infectious laugh, making her the life of any party. Serena St. John considers herself lucky to be JC's best friend until JC returns from the hospital with a new kidney and a new best friend. Feeling left out, Serena focuses on her vlogs, hoping to become a classroom reporter. As she struggles with self-expression in real life, she wishes she could edit conversations like her videos. Life doesn’t have a pause button—but as Serena discovers her voice through vlogging, she learns that she’s not just there to reflect JC’s light—she’s fully capable of shining on her own.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Serena handle her feelings of jealousy and what can you learn from her response?
Discuss a time when you helped a friend like Serena does. How did it make you feel?
Why is it important to express our feelings, just like Serena learns to do?
What does friendship mean to you, and how do you relate to Serena’s friendships?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about friendship and asking your child to do the same, creating a relaxed environment for discussion.
Encourage your child to express their emotions by relating to Serena's experiences, fostering empathy and self-awareness.
Highlight the importance of support among friends as seen in the book, prompting your child to think about how they can be a good friend.
Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to encourage deeper thinking and conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Serena Says,' the protagonist Serena navigates her feelings and learns to understand others’ emotions, especially witnessing her friend’s health challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being more attentive to how their peers feel and reacting with kindness and support in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and personal growth
Explanation: Serena is entrusted with the class video blog, which teaches her accountability and boosts her self-confidence as she tackles the challenges that come with this responsibility.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to take responsibility for tasks at home or school, understanding that their efforts can lead to personal development and recognition.
Example Lesson: Communication and expression
Explanation: Throughout the book, Serena learns effective ways to express herself, especially through vlogging, which helps her articulate her thoughts and feelings better.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to find their own ways of expression, whether through art, writing, or speaking, to better communicate their thoughts and emotions.
Example Lesson: Adapting to change
Explanation: Serena faces several changes, such as her friend's illness and shifting group dynamics. She learns to adapt and find her place in these new circumstances.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to be resilient and flexible, helping them to navigate changes at school, in friendships, or family life with confidence.