The Sweetest Thing You Can Sing
Adobe EPUB eBook Series
on Goodreads (71)
What’s inside...
Losing weight over the summer gains Serena some popularity, but it also means discovering first-hand the pains of being a fifteen-year-old girl in a world that both sexualizes and shames young women. After narrowly avoiding exploitation in a short-lived relationship, Serena aligns with a new friend who was the victim of an explicit image that was shared at school. When Serena finds herself in a relationship with a new guy, she is surprised to find a different set of expectations. But have her previous experiences damaged her too much to make it work? As Serena struggles to find who she is as opposed to who she is expected to be, she begins sighting Devin - her older brother who disappeared months earlier.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-17
Length
217 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Serena
Gage
Discussion points
What do you think Serena learned about herself by the end of the story?
How do you think friendship is portrayed in the book? Can you relate to any of the friendships described?
How do the choices Serena makes impact her relationships with others?
What role do you think courage plays in the story, and how does it help the characters grow?
If you were in Serena’s shoes, what would you have done differently in her situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, relating it to their own experiences with friendships and personal growth.
Discuss the importance of facing challenges bravely, as Serena did, and how those actions can lead to personal development.
Use examples from the book to talk about the consequences of our choices and how they affect those around us.
Highlight the significance of understanding and empathy in relationships, drawing parallels to real-life scenarios your child might face.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of self-acceptance
Explanation: The protagonist, Serena, deals with self-doubt and insecurity but learns to appreciate herself as she navigates through challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their unique qualities and develop a positive self-image.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: Serena's journey includes understanding and relating to the struggles of those around her, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate and understand different perspectives, promoting kindness in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout the book, Serena faces various personal and family challenges, demonstrating resilience and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of bouncing back from difficulties and continuing to strive towards their goals.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: The support Serena receives from her friends plays a crucial role in her growth, illustrating the significance of supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building and maintaining healthy, supportive friendships.