The True Meaning of Cleavage
on Goodreads (693)
What’s inside...
Jess is apprehensive about starting ninth grade at Eldridge Alternative, where she and her best friend Sari are considered the only 'normal' people. Sari is excited about the new school year, but Jess is worried about facing the popular Prada Mafia clique and other challenges. Her fears begin to materialize when Sari falls for a senior named David Cole, causing a shift in their friendship dynamics as Sari gets caught up in her new romance. Jess worries about being left behind and losing her best friend to the cool crowd, as she navigates the complexities of high school relationships and social hierarchies.
Age
11-12
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jess
Sari
David
Discussion points
What do you think the title 'The True Meaning of Cleavage' signifies about the struggles and challenges faced by the characters?
How do the characters' relationships change throughout the story and what does that teach us about friendship and peer pressure?
What were some moments in the book where you saw characters making decisions based on what others think? What would you have done in their situation?
How does the book address the issues of self-identity and individuality? Can you relate to these themes in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own perspectives on the themes of the book and gently encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Ask open-ended questions to foster a deeper understanding of the character's motives and decisions, helping your child connect these situations to real-world scenarios.
Encourage your child to think about how they would handle similar social pressures and what they might do differently from the characters in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the complexities of friendships
Explanation: The story navigates the changing dynamics between friends as they grow and face different social pressures.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by recognizing changes in their own friendships and learning to adapt, communicate, and empathize with their friends.
Example Lesson: Dealing with peer pressure
Explanation: Characters in the book are faced with decisions that pit their personal values against the desire to fit in, demonstrating the conflict of peer pressure.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to identify peer pressure in their lives and encourages them to stay true to their values and beliefs despite external influences.
Example Lesson: The importance of self-identity
Explanation: Through the protagonist's journey, the book illustrates the challenges and importance of maintaining one's self-identity amidst adolescence.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and affirm their unique qualities, understanding that it's okay to be different and to resist conforming to others’ expectations.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The narrative shows how characters' decisions have both positive and negative consequences, reflecting the real-life outcomes of our actions.
Real-World Application: This allows children to think critically about the potential outcomes of their choices, encouraging responsible decision-making.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The book portrays various personal struggles of the characters, promoting a deeper understanding and empathy towards others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to be more empathetic and understanding towards others' situations, helping foster inclusivity and kindness in their interactions.