That's So Raven Volume 1: School Daze
#1 of 19 in That's So Raven Series
on Goodreads (31)
What’s inside...
In 'The Smell of Victory', Raven is paired with Ben Sturky and confronts the challenge of dealing with his chronic body odor. Meanwhile, in 'Mother Dearest', Raven stands up to their history teacher Mr. Petracelli who is being overly harsh on the class, resulting in her getting grounded indefinitely. The stories follow Raven, a psychic teenager whose visions often lead to unexpected outcomes. In addition, Raven has visions that her friend Eddie fails his Spanish test and her little brother harbors ill will towards her, leading to humorous and unexpected scenarios as she attempts to alter the outcomes.
Character compass
Raven Baxter
Edward "Eddie" Thomas
Chelsea Daniels
Discussion points
How do you think Raven felt when she faced challenges at school? Have you ever felt the same way?
What did Raven learn about friendship in 'School Daze'? How do you choose your friends?
Raven uses her creativity to solve problems. Can you think of a time when you used creativity to handle a situation?
How do the other characters in the book react to Raven's visions? How important is it to have supportive friends and family?
If you had the ability like Raven, what would you do with it? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by recalling your favorite moments from 'That's So Raven: School Daze'. Share your thoughts and feelings about those scenes to create an open, communicative environment. Listen actively to your child's responses and opinions, showing genuine interest and encouragement. Connect the themes of the book to real-life situations in your child’s school or social life to make the discussion relatable. Encourage your child to express themselves freely, emphasizing that there are no right or wrong answers in such discussions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy
Explanation: Raven demonstrates empathy by understanding and supporting her friends as they face school challenges, showcasing a keen sense of emotional awareness.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize emotions in others and respond with compassion in their interactions with friends and classmates.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Raven encounters various obstacles related to schoolwork and peer relationships, but she tirelessly works through these challenges.
Real-World Application: This can instill a resilient mindset in children, encouraging them to persist in solving their own problems whether in academics or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: Raven’s interaction with a diverse group of students teaches the value of inclusivity and respecting differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by appreciating diverse cultures and backgrounds, contributing to a more inclusive community environment at school.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: In a pivotal moment, Raven learns the consequences of not being truthful, which resolves with her making amends.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of honesty in building trust and maintaining healthy relationships with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Raven and her friends work together on a group project, emphasizing that collective effort can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children understand the effectiveness of working cooperatively, enhancing their ability to participate in team activities and group work efficiently.