About This Book
Hating Alison Ashley is a beloved Australian classic that delves into the tumultuous world of preteen social dynamics through the eyes of Erica Yurken, a dramatic, insecure, and hilariously self-important sixth grader. Erica's world is turned upside down when the seemingly perfect Alison Ashley joins her class, igniting a fierce rivalry fueled by jealousy and social anxieties. The book masterfully uses humor to explore deeper themes of self-acceptance, class differences, family love, and the complexities of friendship. It's a poignant and funny read that normalizes feelings of envy and insecurity, showing how understanding and empathy can bridge even the widest social gaps.
Classmates Erica Yurgen and Alison Ashley vie with each other to become the undisputed star of their class.
Concepts
Jealousy & ComparisonSelf-Confidence & IdentityFriendship & LoyaltyEmpathy & KindnessLove & FamilyShame & GuiltAnger & FrustrationHonesty & IntegrityResilience & PerseveranceJustice & FairnessCreativity & ImaginationMaking FriendsSibling RivalryBeing DifferentGrowing UpPeer PressureFriendship & SocialFamily & Siblings
bullying
mental_health_themes
Discussion Prompts
1
Why do you think Erica felt so strongly about Alison at the beginning of the book? Have you ever felt jealous of someone?
2
Erica often made up stories about herself and her family. Why do you think she did this? What does it tell us about how she felt?
3
How did Erica's perception of Alison change throughout the story? What moments were key to this change?
4
What did Alison's secret about her own family reveal about her? How did this make Erica feel?
5
The book shows that families can be very different. What did Erica learn about her own family, and Alison's family, by the end of the story?
6
What does this book teach us about friendship and looking beyond first impressions?
External Reviews
Google Books
5/5 (1 ratings)
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