So Not the Drama
#1 in Del Rio Bay Clique Series
on Goodreads (317)
What’s inside...
In exactly one hour, eighteen minutes, and thirty-five seconds, Mina Mooney will be dipping her pink Nellie timbs into the infamous frosh pit. . .
Hoping Del Rio Bay High will live up to her greatest expectations, Mina has big plans for infiltrating the school's social glitterati. After all, she's been mad popular for as long as she can remember--and she isn't about to go from Middle School Royalty to High School Ambiguity. But Del Rio Bay is a big school, so it'll take some plotting to avoid getting lost in the crowd. Good thing she isn't afraid of a little hard work and that her playground peeps--Lizzie, Michael, and JZ--have got her back.
But it isn't long before Mina's big plans for securing her social status take a back seat to some drama that was so not expected. Lizzie's scored an invite from the beautiful people that Mina can only dream about, and not only is Michael tripping about being back in school, but now he's beefing with JZ. Worst of all, Mina's sociology class experiment to rid the world--or at least Del Rio Bay High--of prejudice is about to backfire. . .because it might just mean she'll have to rid herself of her very best friend.
A novel about friendship, betrayal, and how far some will go for popularity, So Not the Drama takes a fresh and wickedly funny look at planet high school.
Character compass
Mina Mooney
Michael
Jz
Lizzie
Discussion points
How did the main character's actions influence their relationships with others in the story?
What are some challenges the characters faced and how did they overcome them?
Can you relate to any of the characters' experiences in your own life? How?
What do you think could have been done differently by the characters to resolve conflicts?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in a different location or time period?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book's events and characters. Validate their opinions and share your perspectives as well. Discuss similar life experiences you’ve had and how you handled them. Use examples from the book to discuss broader life lessons or moral values. Encourage them to imagine alternative endings or plot twists, boosting their creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'So Not the Drama', the protagonist learns the hard way that honesty is the best policy, especially when dealing with friends.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being truthful in their interactions, which builds trust and strengthens relationships.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face various challenges but learn to persevere, teaching readers that persistence pays off.
Real-World Application: Kids can embrace this value by not giving up easily, whether it be in their academic pursuits or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting differences
Explanation: The story promotes inclusivity and understanding by showcasing diverse characters who learn to accept each other's differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to celebrate diversity, enhancing social harmony and broadening personal perspectives.
Example Lesson: Consequences of one's actions
Explanation: Characters in the book experience direct consequences of their decisions, serving as a lesson in responsibility.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that their choices have impacts and encourage them to think before acting.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: The book highlights how true friendship can offer support and positivity even in tough times.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to foster meaningful friendships, which can provide emotional support and joy.