The Boyfriend Mess (Sweet Valley Twins)
#114 in Sweet Valley Twins Graphic Novels Series
on Goodreads (110)
What’s inside...
TV's hottest dating game show, Young Love, hosts a Valentine's Day dance at Sweet Valley Middle School, creating an unforgettable night with bizarre couple pairings. Jessica Wakefield and her identical twin Elizabeth switch identities for the dating game, leading to confusion and mismatched dates. Jessica finds herself with Elizabeth's sort-of-boyfriend, Todd Wilkins, who is oblivious to the mix-up. Meanwhile, other students like Janet Howell and Maria Slater also face awkward pairings. As the night progresses, the students must navigate through the chaos to find true romance and salvage the dance.
Character compass
Elizabeth Wakefield
Jessica Wakefield
Mitchell Parsons
Aaron Dallas
Discussion points
What do you think Jessica learned about honesty in relationships from her experience in the book?
How did Elizabeth help Jessica resolve her dilemma, and what does that say about the importance of communication between siblings?
Why do you think Jessica was tempted to make up a story about her boyfriend, and what might she have done differently?
How did the actions of Jessica affect her friends and herself?
If you were in Elizabeth's place, how would you have handled the situation with Jessica?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own perspective on honesty and its value in relationships, paving the way for a deeper discussion on the book's themes.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters' decisions, promoting empathy and understanding.
Ask your child how they might handle a similar situation, which can help them apply the book's lessons to their own life.
Use examples from the book to discuss the consequences of dishonesty, reinforcing the importance of truthfulness.
Praise your child for their insights and thoughtful responses, boosting their confidence and engagement in reading and discussing books.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Honesty
Explanation: In 'The Boyfriend Mess,' characters learn about the consequences of dishonesty when relationships and trust are compromised due to lies.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being truthful in their interactions, which fosters trust and builds stronger relationships with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story illustrates the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions, as characters face the repercussions of their decisions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to own up to their actions and understand their impact on others, encouraging them to be more considerate and thoughtful.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As the characters deal with various social dilemmas, they start to understand and empathize with each other's feelings.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate the perspectives of others, leading to more compassionate interactions in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Resolving Conflicts
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters learn to resolve conflicts by communicating and understanding each other's viewpoints.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these conflict resolution skills in school and at home, promoting peaceful and productive problem-solving.