About This Book
This charming chapter book follows fifth-grader Ava Wren as she grapples with common pre-teen challenges, all recorded in her diary. Ava longs for a pet and finally adopts Taco Cat, an injured tabby who is initially withdrawn and fearful. Simultaneously, Ava experiences the painful shift in her best friendship when a new girl enters the picture, leading to feelings of loneliness and jealousy. The story beautifully explores themes of empathy, resilience, and self-discovery as Ava learns to care for her timid pet and navigate complex social dynamics. It's a relatable read for children experiencing similar friendship changes or the responsibilities of pet ownership, offering a gentle narrative voice and a hopeful resolution.
Fifth-grader Ava writes in her diary about her family, losing her best friend to a new girl, and adopting an injured, skittish, and very special cat.
Concepts
Loneliness & BelongingFriendship & LoyaltyEmpathy & KindnessSelf-Confidence & IdentityResilience & PerseveranceLove & FamilyJealousy & ComparisonCreativity & ImaginationHonesty & IntegrityForgiveness & RedemptionFreedom & IndependenceMaking FriendsBeing DifferentNew SiblingSibling RivalryGrowing UpCatsFriendship & SocialFamily & SiblingsSchool LifeAnimals
peril_danger
separation_from_parent
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Ava feel when her best friend starts hanging out with Zara? Have you ever felt that way?
2
Why do you think Taco Cat was so scared at first? How did Ava show him kindness and patience?
3
Ava writes a story called 'The Cat Who Wouldn't Purr.' How does writing help Ava understand her feelings?
4
What does it mean to be a good friend, even when things are difficult?
5
How does Ava learn to be more confident in herself throughout the story?
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