Stick with Me
on Goodreads (237)
What’s inside...
"Stunning."--School Library Journal (starred review)"A pitch-perfect ode to friendship."--Good Morning AmericaAn ice skater without a rink. An artist without a place to draw. Two misfit girls who become unlikely friends over the course of an unusual week. Readers of Lynda Mullaly Hunt, Rebecca Stead, and Lisa Graff will adore Stick with Me.Izzy's best friend seems to be ditching her for the Queen of Mean, Daphne Toll. Izzy wants to fit in and have some real friends, but all she really has are her drawings. And then her family rents out their house during winter break for some extra cash--and that family's daughter is sleeping in Izzy's room and attending the same camp!Wren is focused on perfecting her ice-skating routine after tanking at sectionals last year. But when her sister qualifies for a life-changing treatment for her epilepsy, Wren is carted off to stay in a rented home near Boston. It doesn't help that she's forced to attend the local theater camp, where it seems like the mean girls have it out for her.Will Izzy and Wren's shared status as targets of Phoebe and Daphne bring them closer? Or will middle school drama prevent them from ever becoming friends?Jennifer Blecher, the author of the acclaimed Out of Place, writes with a pitch-perfect ear for tween girls about the ups and downs of middle school friendships. Told from dual perspectives, Stick with Me is a story about fitting in and figuring yourself out.
Age
8-12
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Izzy and Wren could have done differently when they first met? How do you approach making new friends?
How do the characters in the book show their feelings of loneliness and friendship? Can you relate to any of these feelings?
Why is it important for Izzy to stick the labels everywhere, and what does it signify for her character development?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of the story? How can you apply these lessons in your own life?
How do you think the setting in winter affects the story and the actions of Izzy and Wren?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about friendship and loneliness, relating it to their personal experiences.
Discuss the significance of Izzy’s labels and what they might represent in real life. This can lead to a conversation about coping mechanisms and self-expression.
Highlight the transformative power of friendship as shown in the book, and ask your child about times they have helped or been helped by a friend.
Use examples from the book to discuss problem-solving and understanding different perspectives, helping your child to apply these skills in school and with friends.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: The story revolves around two girls who form an unlikely friendship, helping each other navigate various challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of supporting and being there for friends even when circumstances are tough.
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: The characters in the book demonstrate tenacity and perseverance in overcoming personal and external obstacles.
Real-World Application: This instills in children the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties, whether it's in school tasks or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Embracing differences
Explanation: The main characters have different backgrounds and personalities, yet they find common ground and friendship. This teaches inclusivity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and characteristics in their peers, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in play.
Example Lesson: Importance of communication
Explanation: Misunderstandings between characters emphasize the need for open and honest communication to resolve conflicts.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to express their feelings and thoughts clearly to avoid misunderstandings and build stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage to face change
Explanation: As the characters adapt to new situations in their lives, the story highlights the importance of embracing change courageously.
Real-World Application: This prepares children to handle transitions or new environments more confidently, whether it be moving to a new school or adjusting to any new changes in life.