The Way to Bea
Charming, must-read story of friendship and self-acceptance.
Kids say
Based on 1 review
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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 The Way to Bea is a charming coming-of-age story about a 12-year-old girl who uses her poetry to cope with the arrival of a new sibling and the awkward transition to middle school. Without explicitly naming popular movies, TV shows, books, or songs, the book references The Karate Kid, Grey's Anatomy, Jerry Spinelli's Stargirl, Natasha Bedingfield's "Unwritten," Jimmy Eat World's "The Middle," and more. The main character often skips school and trespasses on private property with a few kids, but there are plenty of positive messages for middle schoolers about friendship, courage, communication, and self-acceptance.
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What's the Story?
In THE WAY TO BEA, the start of seventh grade is full of big changes for 12-year-old Beatrix "Bea" Lee. Her best friend is no longer talking to her, making her feel like an outcast at school. And she's about to go from only child to big sister, making her feel forgotten at home. The daughter of two famous, free-spirited artists, Bea copes with her loneliness by writing haiku with invisible ink and hiding them in a secret spot, believing that no one cares about what she has to say. But things change when someone finds her words, writes back, and asks for more poetry. As Bea starts to connect with her classmates, especially a boy who's determined to find a way inside a local labyrinth, she learns the importance of self-acceptance and the meaning of friendship, and discovers where she belongs.
Is It Any Good?
Kat Yeh's charming novel of friendship and self-acceptance beautifully captures the awkward transition to middle school, making it a must-read for kids. Like Bea, kids might feel pressured at some point to act a certain way or to hide their unique talents in order to feel accepted. Her heartbreaking haiku about loneliness and invisibility perfectly capture the sadness and pain of a fading friendship.
The Way to Bea reminds readers that loving yourself and having the courage to make your voice heard are key to forming meaningful friendships and finding where you belong.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Way to Bea explores the transition to middle school. Why do you think there are so many books about this? Have you found any that relate to your own experience?
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 kids demonstrate courage and communication? Why are these important character strengths?
Book Details
- Author: Kat Yeh
- Genre: Friendship
- Topics: Friendship, Middle School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: September 19, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 9 - 12
- Number of pages: 352
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: September 26, 2017
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Hello, Universe
Charming tale of friendship, courage, and self-acceptance.
For kids who love friendship tales and middle school stories
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