The Girls I've Been
#1 of 2 in The Girls I've Been Series
on Goodreads (50,218)
What’s inside...
A slick, twisty YA page-turner about the daughter of a con artist who is taken hostage in a bank heist. Nora O’Malley’s been a lot of girls. As the daughter of a con-artist who targets criminal men, she grew up as her mother’s protégé. But when her mom fell for the mark instead of conning him, Nora pulled the ultimate con: escape. For five years, Nora has been playing at normal, but she needs to dust off the skills she ditched because she has three problems: #1: Her ex walked in on her with her girlfriend, even though they’re all friends, Wes didn’t know about her and Iris. #2: The morning after Wes finds them kissing, they all have to meet to deposit the fundraiser money they raised at the bank. It’s a nightmare that goes from awkward to deadly, because: #3: Right after they enter the bank, two guys start robbing it. The bank robbers may be trouble, but Nora’s something else entirely. They have no idea who they’re really holding hostage...
Character compass
Nora O'malley
Iris
Wes
Discussion points
How do you think Nora's past experiences shaped her actions and decisions throughout the story?
What role does trust play in Nora's relationships, and how does it affect her interactions with other characters?
How do the themes of identity and transformation appear in the story, and what can we learn from them?
What does the book suggest about the power of resilience in overcoming difficult situations?
In what ways do the characters in the book show strength and vulnerability, and how can these traits be seen as positive?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters’ situations, fostering empathy and understanding.
Discuss the impact of past experiences on present behavior, helping your child make connections between cause and effect in the storyline and real life.
Explore the theme of identity with your child, asking them how they might handle similar challenges to the protagonist.
Highlight the concept of resilience, discussing with your child how facing difficulties can lead to personal growth and strength.
Emphasize the complexity of emotions and relationships introduced in the book, prompting your child to consider different perspectives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Nora, demonstrates resilience as she navigates her past and present challenges while trapped in a bank heist. She uses her wits and past experiences to manage the situation.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stay strong and think creatively to solve problems, even in tough situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Nora’s complex relationships and experiences allow readers to explore different perspectives, particularly those who have faced trauma or come from difficult backgrounds.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to develop empathy and understand people's actions within the context of their experiences.
Example Lesson: Importance of trust and teamwork
Explanation: During the heist, Nora has to work together with her ex-boyfriend and her current girlfriend, highlighting the importance of trust and collaborative problem-solving in achieving common goals.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to value teamwork and trust in group settings such as school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Confronting and overcoming one’s past
Explanation: The narrative intertwines Nora’s past and present, showing her confront her traumatic past to embrace her true identity and make informed decisions about her future.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of facing their past, learning from it, and using those lessons to shape a better future.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and quick thinking
Explanation: Nora’s ability to adapt to rapidly changing situations during the heist showcases her quick thinking and flexibility.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of adapting to unforeseen circumstances and thinking on their feet to navigate daily challenges.