The Worst Thing About My Sister
on Goodreads (4,115)
What’s inside...
Being a sister isn't always easy, and Marty and Melissa are a testament to that. They have contrasting personalities and interests, which makes cohabiting challenging. The situation becomes even more difficult when their mother forces them to share a room, infringing on Marty's personal space. However, an unexpected accident leads the sisters to realize that their bond is stronger than they initially thought, teaching them the value of family and togetherness.
Age
9-11
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Marty
Mum
Melissa
Discussion points
How do the sisters in the book handle their disagreements and what can you learn from them?
What do you think is the 'worst thing' about having a sibling, and what is the best thing based on the story?
How do the characters change by the end of the book, and what caused these changes?
Can you think of a time when you and your sibling, or a friend, misunderstood each other like the sisters did?
Why do you think the author chose the title 'The Worst Thing About My Sister'? How does it relate to the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in each sister’s shoes. Discuss the feelings and decisions of both characters. Highlight how communication plays a crucial role in resolving conflicts. Reinforce the message that despite disagreements, family bonds can grow stronger. Share personal stories of sibling relationships to make the discussion relatable and meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout the book, the sisters experience conflicts and resolutions that teach them to see the world from each other’s perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and appreciate the feelings of their siblings or peers, improving their interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: The value of family
Explanation: Despite the frequent quarrels, the story highlights the unconditional support and love within a family.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate their family members and recognize the importance of familial bonds.
Example Lesson: Conflict resolution
Explanation: The characters in the book learn to communicate and compromise, which are pivotal in resolving their differences.
Real-World Application: Children can use these skills to navigate disagreements in a constructive way, both at home and in school settings.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: The story showcases the siblings' contrasting personalities and how they learn to accept and celebrate their differences.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to embrace diversity and be more accepting of people who may not think, act, or look like them.