So Not Happening: A YA Rom-Com (A Charmed Life Book 1)
#1 of 23 in Charmed Series
on Goodreads (4,305)
What’s inside...
Bella Kirkwood's life changes drastically when her father, a plastic surgeon for celebrities, leaves her mother for a newer model. Bella's mom soon falls for a factory worker she met online, and Bella is forced to move with her mom and new family to Truman, Oklahoma. Trading her upscale NYC lifestyle for the rural charm of Oklahoma, Bella feels out of place but soon makes new friends in high school, including a football player and the editor of the school newspaper. However, Bella's reporter instincts kick in as she senses something suspicious in Truman, and she's determined to uncover the town's secrets while grappling with the challenges in her personal life and her relationship with God.
Character compass
Bella Kirkwood
Luke Sullivan
Discussion points
How did Bella's move to Truman affect her perspective on her life and relationships?
What do you think are the major differences between Bella's life in New York and Truman? How would you adapt in her situation?
Discuss the role of friendship in the book. How do Bella's friendships influence her decisions and her growth?
What lessons do you think Bella learns about family and forgiveness throughout the story?
How does the author use humor to address serious themes in the book? Can you think of any examples?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by sharing your own thoughts on Bella's experiences and relate them to universal themes of change, adaptation, and resilience.
Encourage your child to compare and contrast their own feelings and experiences with those of Bella, fostering empathy and deeper understanding.
Highlight the importance of communication and openness in relationships, as depicted through Bella's interactions with her family and friends.
Ask your child to think about how they would handle similar challenges faced by Bella, promoting problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Discuss the importance of humor and positivity in difficult situations, as shown in the book, to teach coping strategies.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Adapting to change
Explanation: The protagonist moves to a new town and faces the challenge of adjusting to a different environment and new social dynamics.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of resilience and adaptability when experiencing new situations such as changing schools or cities.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: Characters in the story learn valuable lessons about the consequences of dishonesty and the importance of being truthful.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to value honesty in their daily interactions and understand how their actions affect others.
Example Lesson: Developing empathy
Explanation: The book explores relationships between characters from diverse backgrounds, prompting readers to understand different perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be empathetic and considerate towards the feelings and situations of others around them.
Example Lesson: Overcoming stereotypes
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters confront and challenge various stereotypes, promoting a message of acceptance.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to critically think about stereotypes and to foster inclusivity in their peer groups.
Example Lesson: Building self-confidence
Explanation: The protagonist overcomes personal insecurities and grows in self-confidence as she navigates her new life.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to believe in their abilities and face challenges with a positive attitude, boosting their self-esteem.