The Mother-Daughter Book Club
#1 of 7 in The Mother Daughter Book Club Series
on Goodreads (14,914)
What’s inside...
The book club is about to get a makeover. Even if Megan would rather be at the mall, Cassidy is late for hockey practice, Emma has already read every book in existence, and Jess is missing her mother too much to care, a new book club is scheduled to meet every month. As the girls begin the mom-imposed ritual of reading Little Women, the book club helps four unlikely friends navigate the drama of middle school. From stolen journals and secret crushes to a fashion-fiasco at their first dance, the girls are up to their Wellie boots in drama and wonder what Jo March would do. Acclaimed author Heather Vogel Frederick delights readers with a novel about the fabulousness of fiction, family, and friendship.
Character compass
Emma Hawthorne
Megan Wong
Cassidy Sloane
Jess Delaney
Mrs. Wong
Clementine Sloane
Phoebe Hawthorne
Becca Chadwick
Discussion points
How did the different characters change throughout the story, and what do you think caused these changes?
What are some challenges the characters faced in forming the book club, and how did they overcome them?
Which character do you relate to the most and why?
How do the books they read in the club influence the girls' friendships and personal growth?
If you could add a book to the Mother-Daughter Book Club's reading list, which would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts about the book or similar experiences you've had, to create a comfortable environment for open discussion.
Encourage your child to express not just what happens in the book, but how it makes them feel, tying in real life emotions and events to foster empathy and deeper understanding.
Use examples from the book to discuss real-life issues such as friendship, conflicts, and personal growth, making the conversation relevant to the child's life.
Ask follow-up questions that require more than a yes or no answer to encourage your child to think critically and articulate their thoughts clearly.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and support
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters confront various personal challenges and learn the significance of supporting each other, showing the strength of their friendship.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture their friendships, understanding that everyone faces challenges and that supporting each other is crucial.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: As the members of the book club read and discuss 'Little Women', they explore the differing perspectives of the March sisters, which mirrors their own diverse viewpoints and situations.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the importance of considering and respecting different perspectives in their interactions, promoting empathy and better communication skills.
Example Lesson: Growth through adversity
Explanation: The characters encounter various difficulties but grow stronger and learn more about themselves in the process, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing challenges is a part of life and that overcoming these hurdles can lead to personal growth and resilience.
Example Lesson: The value of literature in understanding life
Explanation: The club’s exploration of 'Little Women' provides insights into their own lives and relationships, showing how literature can mirror real-life situations.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to read can help them find reflections of their own experiences in stories, enhancing their understanding of themselves and the world around them.