She Drives Me Crazy
on Goodreads (74,057)
What’s inside...
In 'She Drives Me Crazy' by Kelly Quindlen, high school nemeses Scottie Zajac and Irene Abraham are forced to carpool after a fender bender. As they spend more time together, they hatch a fake-dating scheme to get back at Scottie's ex and climb the social ladder, but their plan leads to unexpected feelings. This queer YA rom com delves into the ups and downs of teen romance with humor and heart.
Age
12-18
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Scottie Zajac
Irene Abraham
Tally
Tally Gibson
Daphne Zajac
Thora Zajac
Danielle Zanders
Honey-Belle
Charlotte Pascal
Gunther Thomas
Kevin Todd
Discussion points
How did the characters’ relationship evolve throughout the story? What do you think helped them understand each other better?
What are some ways that the characters showed resilience and courage in facing their challenges?
Can you think of a time when you had to work with someone you initially didn't get along with? How did you handle it?
What did you learn about the importance of communication and empathy from the characters' experiences?
How do the themes of rivalry and teamwork play out in this story? Which moments stood out to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Open the conversation with a personal anecdote about teamwork or overcoming differences to connect with the child’s experiences.
Highlight moments in the book where characters had to make tough choices, and discuss what your child would do in similar situations.
Encourage the child to talk about their favorite character and why they felt a connection to them, fostering empathy and deep thinking.
Discuss the book’s setting and how it impacts the story, engaging the child’s imagination and understanding of diverse environments.
Utilize the ups and downs of the characters' relationship to talk about the importance of understanding and cooperation in real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The protagonist of 'She Drives Me Crazy' overcomes personal and interpersonal challenges, showcasing determination and resilience throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own school or social challenges with a positive attitude and effort, understanding that obstacles are a part of growth.
Example Lesson: Importance of empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters in the book deal with diverse life situations that require empathy. The story promotes understanding different perspectives and backgrounds.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be empathetic towards their classmates and friends who may have different experiences and backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Valuing teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of collaboration, especially in sports and personal relationships, showing how working together leads to greater achievements.
Real-World Application: Children can apply teamwork in group projects or sports, learning that cooperative efforts often yield better results than working alone.
Example Lesson: The power of honesty in relationships
Explanation: Throughout 'She Drives Me Crazy', honesty plays a key role in the development of relationships, demonstrating the impact of truthfulness in building trust.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be honest in their interactions, helping them build strong and trusting relationships with family and friends.