SYNOPSIS

When she is invited by Scarlett, the popular girl in class, to join an exclusive craft club, Lucy is ecstatic. So she ignores the promise she made dad to join Philip’s songwriting club (which meets at the same time), only to find out that her role in Scarlett’s club is to clean and serve, not participate! Lucy is caught lying at home, makes bug-filled cookies in revenge for Scarlett’s rudeness, works up the courage to make up with Philip, and discovers that she’s quite a good songwriter. All ends well. Till book #2…

(1st in a 4-book series)

PERFECT AGE 7 – 11

THEMES

• Honesty, loyalty, keeping one’s word, respect for family members
• Friendship means giving others a second (or fourth) chance but also feeling valued and appreciated in return
• It is important to apologize when making mistakes, even when remorse is not reciprocated

We love

• Lucy is extremely kind and forgives Scarlett’s hurtful behaviror towards her, again and again
• Lucy writes an apology letter to Scarlett’s dad, and seems to be more mature than the dad himself
• The book does a great job demonstrating that children are not all “good” or all “bad”, and that making the right choice can often be challenging

WATCH OUT FOR (Language, Big / Sensitive Topics, Outdated Concepts):

• Some unsurprising 4th grade tensions – lying, hiding, feeling shunned from the popular crowd – will create opportunities to discuss bullying and possible reactions / coping mechanisms for your child

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• Why do you think Lucy kept trying to please Scarlett? What might you say if someone is being rude or hurtful to you at school or asking you to do things that might get you in trouble? 
• What else could have Lucy done, instead of lying to her dad and Philip about the songwriting club?
• Why do you think Philip accepted Lucy in the songwriting club afterall?