Book: Awkward: Berrybrook Middle School
Author: Svetlana Chmakova
Publication Date: 2015
Warning/Triggers: Parents who fight a lot or have recently separated
Grade Level: 5+
Summary: Penelope (Peppi) has a rough first day at her new middle school. She so badly wants to fit in that she trips a quiet boy to make herself look good to the other kids. She finds friends in the art club, but winds up being tutored by the same boy when her science grades are low. As the science club faces off against the art club in a school rivalry, can Peppi help bring them together?
Review: The artwork is interesting, using a mix of sepia tones and full color. Peppi has to deal with the consequences of her own behavior – which, as we see, is not always easy to do. The adults (teachers and parents) are generally presented well (we do have a family that separates during the course of the book, and we see parental fighting there – but there are some really good parents to offset that). A really good lesson on groups and kids learning how to get along with each other. One of the plot points involves geocaching, and how much a family enjoys doing this, so be prepared for some questions.
Discussion Questions:
(1) Do you belong to any clubs or groups? Which club would you be in – the art club or the science club?
(2) How do you express yourself? Drawing? Music? Math? Science? There are a lot of ways….
(3) Does geocaching look like fun? Is that something your family might like to try?
(4) Are there other kids in your life that make it harder? That make it easier?
(5) Have you ever done something to try to fit in that you regretted doing later?
(6) What do the best friendships in the book look like?
Let us know what you thought of this book!!!
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