SuitabookBrave new girl
Catherine Johnson
- Reading
- Read a little ahead before discussing the romantic element, since Luke is described as someone Sasha wants to impress. Pause after a mishap and invite the child’s view of Seren’s choices and feelings.
- Themes
- Creative confidence: Seren makes ambitious plans, joins Keith’s film and may have an opportunity to become a star. The story appears to place creative action alongside Seren’s uncertainty, but it is not clear whether success or confidence is ultimately affirmed.
- Family and friendship: Seren makes a plan intended to help her sister Sasha, while her friend Keith believes in her and invites her into his film. Both family involvement and friendship support are present, but the story’s wider treatment of their effects is not established.
- Embarrassment and judgement: Seren falls off a stage, describes herself as accident-prone and worries that another plan may fail. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
- Worth knowing
- Notice how Seren’s accidents, attempts to help Sasha, and hopes around Luke are handled. Ask whether the humour leaves room for her dignity and agency, rather than treating embarrassment as her identity.