Book Club Discussion Questions
Please be aware that this discussion guide will contain spoilers!
In
Queen Bees and Wannabes, Empower program cofounder Rosalind Wisemen uses the knowledge that she has garnered from more than a decade of listening to thousands of adolescent girls talk about the all-powerful clique to let inquisitive parents into that often notorious circle of influence that shapes their teenage daughters personas. Wiseman dissects each role of the clique, including Queen Bees, Wannabes, Sidekicks, and Torn Bystanders, and discusses girls' power plays, from birthday invitations to cafeteria seating arrangements to illicit parties. She goes on to candidly address sensitive issues like teasing, gossip, and reputations; beauty and fashion; and social taboos like alcohol, drugs, boys, and sex.
This groundbreaking book both interprets that seemingly foreign language used by your daughter and elucidates the unwritten laws by which she lives. Then Wiseman allows you to examine your parenting style by identifying how your own background and biases affect how you relate to your daughter.
Enlivened with the voices of dozens of girls and parents and Wiseman's welcome sense of humor,
Queen Bees and Wannabes is a conversation piece and reference guide that perfectly lends itself to discussion and shared insights into the world that is your teenage daughter's: the world of friendships, Queen Bees, and Wannabees.
Questions - Dads often feel when their daughters are struggling with these issues that they can't relate, but this is precisely the time for dads to shine (Chapter 2). How can women actively encourage dads and other men in girls' lives to become more involved? What do women do that can discourage men from feeling that they can contribute?
- What stops parents from talking to each other when their children are in conflict? Why do some parents feel that it is most appropriate for kids to work it out on their own? How does it make the other parent feel when they have that response?
- Why are parents so reluctant to apologize for their child's behavior?
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- How does the author develop themes of identity and belonging throughout the narrative?
- What role does the setting play in shaping the characters' decisions and relationships?
- Discuss how the ending reframes the events of the story. Were you surprised?
Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of Three Rivers.
Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.
