Smash It!
#1 in Smash It! Series
on Goodreads (1,230)
What’s inside...
Olivia 'Liv' James is determined to overcome her insecurities and have a successful junior year. She creates a 'F*ck-It' list with goals to be bold, take compliments, and stand out. Liv starts by auditioning for the school musical, going on a date, and making new friends. Embracing change, she navigates missteps and romantic entanglements with three different guys, including two best friends. After facing rejection and humiliation, Liv learns to follow her heart and ask herself, 'What's the worst that can happen?'
Character compass
Olivia James
Sean Banks
Eli
Dre
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Liv to join the school play, and how would you feel in her situation?
How do the characters in 'Smash It!' handle their fears and insecurities? Can you relate to any of their experiences?
What does the concept of 'smashing it' mean to you after reading this book? How can you apply it in your own life?
In what ways do the friendships in the book change and grow throughout the story? How important are friends in overcoming challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s characters and situations, fostering a deeper emotional connection to the reading material.
Highlight the growth and changes in the characters. Discuss with your child whether they have experienced similar personal growth or observed it in others.
Use examples from the book to discuss real-life issues such as self-confidence, friendship, and stepping out of one's comfort zone, making the conversation relevant to their own experiences.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next after the end of the book or how they would have liked the story to conclude, enhancing their imaginative and critical thinking skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-confidence
Explanation: In 'Smash It!', the protagonist, Liv, learns to embrace her own strengths and overcome her self-doubt as she takes on the challenge of auditioning for a school play.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing and valuing their own unique abilities and talents, which can boost their self-esteem in various activities and social interactions.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, Liv faces various setbacks but she persists and learns from each experience, teaching readers about resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that facing challenges is a part of life and that persistence is key to achieving their goals.
Example Lesson: Honesty in relationships
Explanation: The book explores themes of friendship and romantic interests, showing how honesty and communication are foundations for healthy relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be open and truthful in their interactions, which can lead to stronger and more trusting relationships.
Example Lesson: Breaking stereotypes
Explanation: Liv challenges gender norms and societal expectations by participating in a field traditionally dominated by others, thus encouraging readers to break stereotypes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to pursue their interests regardless of societal expectations, promoting diversity and inclusion.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-expression
Explanation: As Liv expresses herself through her audition and interactions, she discovers more about her identity and desires, which highlights the value of self-expression.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to express themselves through arts, conversation, and actions, aiding their emotional and social development.