Pippa Park Raises Her Game
Charming middle-grade novel about friendship and identity.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Pippa Park Raises Her Game is a charming middle-grade novel about a Korean American girl named Pippa who's learning how to adjust to life at her new, elite private school. Cyberbullying plays a large part in Pippa's story, and there are a few instances of families arguing. Characters use mild language, including "stupid," "idiot," "jerk," and "oh my god." A glossary and pronunciation guide at the back of the book will help readers learn more about the Korean words and phrases used throughout the story.
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What's the Story?
PIPPA PARK RAISES HER GAME tells the story of a Korean American girl named Pippa Park who's forced to quit playing for her public school's basketball team to focus on her grades. When Pippa unexpectedly receives a basketball scholarship to Lakeview Private, an elite private school, with the requirement that she maintain a 3.0 GPA, she's excited to join the team and reinvent herself according to the "Rules of Cool." After all, she doesn't want anyone to know that she transferred from Lakeview's biggest rival or that her family owns a laundromat. But life at Lakeview is more challenging than Pippa anticipated, especially when she begins receiving mean, anonymous messages online from someone threatening to expose her secrets and lies. Will Pippa be able to juggle basketball, new friendships, and keep her grades up?
Is It Any Good?
This charming and fast-paced middle-grade novel highlights family, friendship, and identity. Author Erin Yun does a brilliant job incorporating Korean culture and Asian American experiences into the story, and readers will relate to Pippa's struggles adjusting to life at her new school. Her decision to use the "Rules of Cool" to fit in with her new friends and teammates might seem like a good idea, but Pippa eventually realizes that her real friends will accept her for who she is. As Pippa Park Raises Her Game on and off the basketball court, tweens will see the importance of apologizing for their mistakes and appreciate how Pippa learns to embrace her roots and her family's unconditional love.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Pippa Park Raises Her Game deals with cyberbullying. How does this issue affect the characters? Have you had any experience with cyberbullying?
Talk about the various kinds of diversity in the novel. Why are diverse representations important in children's and young adult literature?
Do you ever feel different or left out? When? Do you think others in your class or school feel that way? What can you do to help them feel included? How have new friends come into your life? How have you helped build new friendships?
How do the characters demonstrate communication and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?
Book Details
- Author: Erin Yun
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Topics: Friendship, Middle School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Fabled Films Press
- Publication date: February 4, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 10 - 12
- Number of pages: 288
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: January 2, 2021
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