Vitello Gets a Yucky Girlfriend
#8 in Vitello Series
on Goodreads (60)
What’s inside...
A new family moves in near Vitello, only they don’t have a cool boy for him to play with, just a yucky girl. And it won’t be fun to play with a yucky girl and her crazy hamster. Definitely not. Vitello lives in a terraced house by a ring road with his mum, where the traffic is noisy and his friends are annoying. He’s had other adventures and been in other scrapes too.
Character compass
Vitello
Discussion points
How did Vitello feel about getting a girlfriend at the beginning, and how did his feelings change by the end of the story?
What do you think about the way Vitello and Mille interacted? How would you handle a similar situation?
Why do you think the author chose the title 'Vitello Gets a Yucky Girlfriend'? Do you agree with the description?
How did Vitello's friends react to his new relationship? What does this tell us about friendship?
If you could give Vitello one piece of advice, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters' actions and decisions, fostering emotional understanding.
Discuss the different relationships in the book, including friendships and family dynamics, to enhance your child's social awareness.
Highlight the growth and changes in characters throughout the book to teach adaptability and empathy.
Connect the story's themes to real-life scenarios your child might encounter to make the conversation relatable and impactful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: In 'Vitello Gets a Yucky Girlfriend,' Vitello learns to accept and appreciate the new girl despite their initial differences. This helps him understand that everyone is unique.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing diversity among their peers, learning to appreciate what makes each person special, thus fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Prejudices
Explanation: The story illustrates how Vitello overcomes his initial prejudices about the new girl and discovers her positive qualities. This transformation shows the impact of giving people a chance.
Real-World Application: Kids can use this understanding to challenge their own initial judgments about others and strive to know them better, which can lead to unexpected friendships.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Vitello’s eventual friendship with the new girl emphasizes the joy and support that friendships can provide, even from the most unexpected sources.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of maintaining open, supportive relationships, and the role they play in personal happiness and growth.