The Last Boy at St. Edith's
Max Series
on Goodreads (573)
What’s inside...
Seventh grader Jeremy Miner is the only boy at St. Edith's Academy after its brief experiment in coeducation. Desperate to leave, he attempts to get expelled by executing a series of pranks with his best friend Claudia. However, as their stunts begin to cause unintended consequences, Jeremy must decide whom he's willing to hurt to achieve his goal.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-13
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jeremy
Emily
Claudia
Discussion points
How do you think Jeremy felt being the only boy left at St. Edith's?
What are some ways Jeremy tried to change his situation, and what would you have done if you were in his shoes?
Can you think of a time when you felt different from everyone else? How did that make you feel?
Jeremy learns a lot about friendship in the book. What do you think makes a good friend?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in your school?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Jeremy's shoes, discussing how they might feel in similar situations. Use specific instances from the book to guide the discussion. Highlight the importance of empathy and understanding diverse perspectives. Be open to listening to your child’s views and experiences relating to feeling different or facing challenges. Celebrate the book’s themes of friendship and resilience together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The protagonist, Jeremy, experiences being the only boy in a predominantly female environment, which provides unique insights into gender dynamics and encourages empathy towards differing experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with peers who feel out of place and can develop a deeper understanding of the experiences of others around them, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: Throughout the story, Jeremy's schemes to get expelled from school highlight the negative consequences of dishonest behavior, teaching readers the value of honesty.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of being truthful and the potential repercussions of dishonest actions in their daily interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Jeremy faces numerous challenges throughout the book, both from his pranks and personal dilemmas. His journey teaches resilience and the importance of facing problems head-on.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to persevere through their own challenges, whether in school, sports, or personal relationships, understanding that resilience is key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: The friendships Jeremy forms with his classmates, despite initial setbacks, underscore the significance of building strong, supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of friendship and maintaining positive relationships, encouraging them to be supportive and loyal friends in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Creativity and its impacts
Explanation: Jeremy's creative yet misguided efforts to leave St. Edith’s show both positive and negative aspects of creativity, prompting readers to consider consequences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to channel their creativity in constructive ways and to think about the outcomes of their creative decisions, fostering responsible and thoughtful use of their imaginative skills.