#11 in The Baby-Sitters Club Series
Stacey's Ex-Best Friend
on Goodreads (1,637)
What’s inside...
Stacey's friendship with Laine Cummings ends over a disagreement about boys, and Stacey must learn to deal with the loneliness and change that comes with it.
Character compass
Discussion points
How do you think Stacey felt when her friend stopped being nice to her?
What would you do if you were in Stacey’s situation?
Why do you think friendships sometimes change?
Can you think of a way Stacey could try to solve her problem with her ex-best friend?
How do you handle disagreements with your friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening to show your child that their feelings and opinions are valued.
Encourage your child to reflect on their personal experiences with friendship, relating them to Stacey’s story.
Discuss the importance of communication and understanding in friendships, drawing examples from the book.
Ask your child to suggest alternative endings to the story based on different choices the characters could make.
Promote critical thinking by asking your child what lessons they can learn from Stacey’s experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of communication
Explanation: Throughout 'Stacey's Ex-Best Friend,' misunderstandings and assumptions lead to tension between characters. The story illustrates how open communication can resolve conflicts.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express their feelings and viewpoints clearly to avoid misunderstandings with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The book portrays the inner thoughts and feelings of Stacey, helping readers understand why she reacts in certain ways. This helps in developing empathy for different perspectives.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by trying to understand their peers' emotions and perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Example Lesson: The value of forgiveness
Explanation: In the story, Stacey learns to forgive her friend for past mistakes. This highlights the power of forgiveness and moving forward.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of letting go of grudges and mending relationships, which is crucial for long-lasting friendships.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The book reflects on how actions, whether good or bad, have consequences. It teaches accountability through the characters' experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that their actions affect others and the importance of considering the impact of what they do or say.
Example Lesson: Adapting to change
Explanation: Stacey faces many changes in her friendships and navigates these changes throughout the book. It demonstrates the inevitability of change and the importance of adaptability.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that change is a part of life and learning to adapt is a valuable skill.