About This Book
The Downside of Being Up follows Bobby Connor, a middle schooler whose life is turned upside down by the onset of puberty. With humor and relatability, the book explores the physical changes, social anxieties, and embarrassing moments that come with growing up. It's a frank yet funny look at male puberty, including direct discussions of erections and other bodily changes, making it an excellent conversation starter for parents and children. While the publisher lists an age range of 4-11, the content is most appropriate for readers aged 9-13 who are either experiencing or approaching puberty.
All Bobby Connor wants is to survive middle school, but puberty is making that difficult for him as his body conspires against him.
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Discussion Prompts
1
What are some of the funniest or most embarrassing moments Bobby experiences in the book? How do you think he felt?
2
How does Bobby's body changing affect his friendships and his confidence at school?
3
What advice would you give Bobby about dealing with puberty or middle school challenges?
4
How does the book make a sometimes awkward topic like puberty feel more normal and less scary?
5
Have you ever felt self-conscious about something your body did? How did you handle it?
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