The Four Dorothys
#1 in Drama! Series
on Goodreads (413)
What’s inside...
Orion Academy, a school for Hollywood's elite, is putting on a unique production of the Wizard of Oz with multiple actors playing each role. As various Dorothys begin mysteriously dropping out, narrator Bryan Stark must uncover the scandal before there's no one left to click her heels by opening night.
Character compass
Bryan Stark
Trixie Biggles
Sam
Ms. Apple
Ebony Wilcox
Discussion points
What do you think are the main challenges the characters faced in 'The Four Dorothys' and how did they handle them?
How do you think the multiple Dorothys present different aspects of personality or identity?
If you were to become another Dorothy, what unique traits would you bring to the character?
What lessons do you think the book teaches about friendship and teamwork?
How did the story make you feel about the importance of staying true to yourself?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your favorite parts of the book and asking your child about theirs to create an inclusive atmosphere.
Encourage your child to express how they relate to each Dorothy character, enhancing their empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives.
Use the different scenarios in the book to discuss real-life situations and decisions, helping your child apply the book's lessons to their own experiences.
Praise your child for their insights and thoughts to boost their confidence in expressing themselves.
End the conversation by asking your child to imagine an alternate ending or additional storyline, fostering their creativity and narrative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The book showcases characters working together to solve a mystery in their school play, demonstrating how collaboration leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply teamwork skills in group projects at school or in collaborative games, learning how to share ideas and solve problems collectively.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: As the story unfolds with unexpected changes to the school play, characters learn to adapt, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain flexible and positive when they encounter changes or challenges in routines or plans.
Example Lesson: Identity and Self-Expression
Explanation: The characters in the play explore and express different aspects of their personalities, promoting self-discovery.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to explore their own interests and talents, helping them build a strong sense of identity.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: The students must think creatively to handle the disruptions during their play, using their ingenuity to keep the show running.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of thinking outside the box to find solutions in school tasks or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Characters take ownership of their roles in the play, learning about accountability.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and commitments, whether in their studies, family duties, or friendships.