Surprisingly Sarah: Emmie & Friends
#7 of 9 in Emmie & Friends Series
on Goodreads (1,348)
What’s inside...
Two choices, two storylines — one surprise ending! Will Sarah be brave enough to ask out her crush or will she lose her nerve? Both stories play out in this funny and heartfelt seventh book in the New York Times bestselling Emmie & Friends series. Secrets. Surprises. MIDDLE SCHOOL. Sarah and Leo have been BFFs since they were little. They share everything... until Sarah starts crushing on Leo’s friend Ben. Then one day Sarah is suddenly faced with a big choice — ask Ben to the school dance! OR— chicken out. Either way, Sarah and Leo’s friendship will be put to the test. Which one would you choose?
Character compass
Sarah
Leo
Kaylee
Discussion points
What do you think Sarah felt when she faced the challenges at school?
How did Sarah’s friendships change throughout the story?
What would you have done if you were in Sarah's shoes during the big event?
How do the illustrations help you understand Sarah's emotions?
Why is it important to be understanding and supportive to our friends, like in Sarah’s story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a similar personal experience to what Sarah encountered. This sets a relatable tone and opens up a candid dialogue. Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, reinforcing that their perspective is valuable. Use the illustrations in the book as a visual aid to discuss emotions and reactions of the characters, making the conversation engaging and insightful. Highlight the growth and resolutions in the story, prompting your child to think about how they can apply these lessons in their own life. Finish by asking your child to think of ways they can be a good friend like Sarah, nurturing empathy and compassion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story showcases the protagonist, Emmie, navigating through social challenges and misunderstandings among peers, which teaches children the importance of seeing situations from others' perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by being considerate of their friends’ feelings and viewpoints during interactions, fostering healthier and more understanding relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Emmie faces various personal and social obstacles and learns to overcome them with resilience, showing children that persistence is key to solving problems.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to not give up easily when faced with difficulties, whether in schoolwork, sports, or friendships, and to keep trying until they overcome these challenges.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Honest Communication
Explanation: Throughout the book, Emmie learns the value of communicating her thoughts and feelings clearly to her friends and family, which resolves conflicts and misunderstandings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express themselves clearly and honestly in their daily interactions, which can prevent misunderstandings and build trust with others.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance and Confidence
Explanation: Emmie struggles with self-doubt but gradually learns to accept and value her unique qualities, which is an important step in developing self-confidence.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children feel more confident in their own skin and less likely to compare themselves to others, promoting a positive self-image and mental well-being.