The Kate In Between
on Goodreads (554)
What’s inside...
A twelve-year-old girl named Kate McAllister finds herself caught in a web of lies and guilt after a bullying incident in which she was involved goes viral. Struggling with her mother's departure and seeking acceptance, Kate joins a popular clique, only to become a passive participant in a cruel act against her childhood best friend, Haddie. When Kate ultimately steps in to save Haddie, the incident is caught on video, turning Kate into a viral hero. However, Kate knows the truth about her involvement and faces a moral dilemma as the full video threatens to expose the reality. As pressure mounts, Kate must decide who she truly wants to be: a liar, a follower, or something more, in this thought-provoking middle grade novel by Claire Swinarski.
Age
8-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Kate
Haddie
Taylor
Discussion points
How do you think Kate felt when she was caught between her old and new friends? Have you ever felt a similar way?
What do you think about the role of social media in the story? How does it affect the characters' lives?
Kate has to make some tough decisions in the book. Which decision was the most challenging for her, and why do you think so?
What does the story teach us about forgiveness and second chances?
If you could give Kate one piece of advice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that prompt more than a yes or no response to encourage deeper thinking and conversation.
Show genuine interest in their opinions about the story, even if they differ from your own, to foster a supportive environment for discussion.
Relate the themes of the book to real-life situations your child may encounter to make the conversation more relatable and engaging.
Discuss the characters’ actions and decisions and ask your child what they might have done differently to help develop critical thinking and empathy.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s events and characters to enhance their emotional understanding and connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The Importance of Honesty
Explanation: In 'The Kate In Between', Kate grapples with the consequences of her actions when a video she didn't intend to make public goes viral. This scenario highlights the significance of being truthful and the repercussions of deceit.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of honesty in building trustful relationships and the importance of thinking about the consequences before acting.
Example Lesson: The Power of Forgiveness
Explanation: Throughout the story, Kate learns to forgive herself and others for their mistakes. This theme is crucial as it demonstrates the healing that forgiveness can bring.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to practice forgiveness, helping them to move forward and mend relationships after disagreements or mistakes.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Empathy
Explanation: Kate's journey involves learning to see beyond her own perspective and understand the feelings of others, especially her former best friend Haddie.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with others' situations and feelings, enhancing their social interactions and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for One’s Actions
Explanation: The protagonist, Kate, faces the challenge of accepting responsibility for the viral video and its impacts. This teaches a valuable lesson in accountability.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children that their actions have consequences and that owning up to their responsibilities is a key part of mature behavior.
Example Lesson: The Strength of Friendship
Explanation: As the story unfolds, the importance of true friendship is highlighted through Kate's relationship with Haddie and new friends she makes.
Real-World Application: This lesson shows children the importance of nurturing genuine friendships that withstand tests and trials, providing emotional support and camaraderie.