Alice Miranda Takes the Lead By Jacqueline Harvey

Описание: Book Title:
Alice-Miranda Takes the Lead

Author:
Jacqueline Harvey

Simple Book Intro:
This book is about Alice-Miranda, a kind and curious 10-year-old girl at a boarding school. She solves mysteries, stops rumors, and helps people who seem mean become friends by listening, asking questions, and caring about others.

Main Message:
The big idea of this story is that people who seem scary or mean usually have hidden stories. Instead of believing rumors, Alice-Miranda shows us how to be curious and kind. Being a “kindness detective” means trying to understand others before judging them.

Kid Example:
It’s like thinking a substitute teacher is mean just because she looks serious, when really she’s just trying hard to remember everyone’s names.

Favorite Parts:

The Mysterious Witch Lady:
Everyone thinks Miss Hephzibah is scary, but Alice-Miranda discovers she is lonely and loves animals.

The Rumor Detective Work:
Alice-Miranda looks for facts instead of believing gossip, showing how important it is to check the truth.

The School Play Teamwork:
Alice-Miranda helps classmates who don’t get along work together to create something wonderful.

What Kids Can Learn:

Use the 24-hour rule: wait before talking about someone who made you mad

Ask “What’s their story?” instead of assuming someone is mean

Stop rumors by checking if they are true

Kindness takes courage and often works better than being mean

Fun Activities:

Kindness Detective Game:
For one week, notice someone who seems grumpy and think about what their hidden story might be. Draw what you discover.

Alice-Miranda Empathy Challenge:
Talk to someone you don’t usually talk to. Ask kind, curious questions.

Rumor vs. Truth Chart:
Make two columns. Write down rumors you hear, then find out what is actually true.

Similar Books for Kids:
Matilda by Roald Dahl
Ivy and Bean series
Wonder by R.J. Palacio (ages 10+)

Parent and Teacher Notes:
Discussion starters include:
“When was your first impression of someone wrong?”
“How can we tell rumors from facts?”

Teaching tips:
Practice the 24-hour rule with real situations, role-play how to respond to gossip, and start with small social challenges before bigger ones.

Remember: Being like Alice-Miranda means choosing curiosity and kindness whenever possible—and asking trusted adults for help when situations feel too big.