Sundae Girl
on Goodreads (4,448)
What’s inside...
Jude's family is wildly eccentric; her mother causes constant problems and her father believes he is Elvis. Jude desires a simple, carefree life but continues to face a series of letdowns. As her situation deteriorates, she wonders if a boy from her school, with his floppy hair and rollerblades, could be her savior.
Age
9-14
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jude
Gran
Mum
Kevin Carter
Discussion points
How do you think Jude felt when she was trying to balance her family responsibilities and her own interests? Can you relate to her situation in any way?
What do you think about Jude’s way of handling challenges and obstacles? What would you have done differently if you were in her shoes?
Cara and Jude share a unique friendship. What qualities do you think are important in a friend? Do you see any of those qualities in your own friendships?
The theme of self-identity is central in 'Sundae Girl'. How do you think Jude discovers more about herself throughout the story?
How do the different characters in the book show their love and support for Jude? Can you share a time when someone showed you similar support?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, reinforcing that all opinions are valuable.
Draw parallels between the book’s characters and real-life situations to help your child relate to the story.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to deepen the discussion and encourage critical thinking.
Celebrate the themes of friendship and self-discovery by sharing personal experiences that echo these themes.
Discuss the conflicts in the story and how the characters resolved them, prompting your child to think about how they might handle similar situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: In 'Sundae Girl', the protagonist Jude experiences the ups and downs of friendships, learning to value and nurture these relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to be supportive and understanding friends in their own lives, which can lead to long-lasting relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of Self-Identity
Explanation: Jude's journey includes moments where she must discover and affirm her own identity, despite external pressures.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace their unique qualities and be confident in who they are, aiding their social and personal development.
Example Lesson: Handling Family Dynamics
Explanation: The book explores complex family relationships, showing Jude dealing with different family members and their challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to navigate their own family relationships with empathy and resilience, understanding that every family experiences its own set of challenges.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: Jude faces various personal and familial challenges through the story, showcasing her resilience and ability to overcome adversity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that it's natural to face obstacles, but staying strong and positive can lead them to overcome these hurdles.