A Thoughtful Exploration of Choice and Empowerment: Review of What Should Darla Do?

Introduction: A Book That Puts the Power in Kids’ Hands

Imagine a book where you get to decide what happens next—where every choice leads to a different outcome, teaching valuable lessons along the way. That’s exactly what What Should Darla Do? Featuring the Power to Choose by Adir Levy delivers. This interactive children’s book isn’t just a story; it’s an experience, empowering young readers to see the consequences of their decisions in a fun, engaging way.

As a parent, educator, or caregiver, you’ve probably wondered how to teach kids about responsibility, empathy, and problem-solving without sounding preachy. What Should Darla Do? does this brilliantly by blending storytelling with decision-making exercises. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.

Plot Summary: A Choose-Your-Own-Adventure with a Purpose

The book follows Darla, a spirited young girl with big dreams of becoming an astronaut. Throughout her day, she faces various dilemmas—should she share her snack with a friend? Should she admit a mistake or try to hide it? Each choice leads to a different outcome, reinforcing the idea that decisions shape our experiences.

Unlike traditional linear stories, this book allows kids to flip to different pages based on their choices, creating multiple possible endings. Some paths lead to positive consequences (like making a new friend), while others result in challenges (like feeling left out). The brilliance lies in how it normalizes mistakes—kids see that even “wrong” choices are opportunities to learn.

Character Analysis: Darla as a Relatable Role Model

Darla isn’t a perfect protagonist; she’s curious, sometimes impulsive, and wonderfully human. Her struggles mirror real-life kid conflicts—peer pressure, honesty, kindness—making her instantly relatable.

What stands out is how her personality shines through in every scenario. Whether she’s deciding how to handle a disagreement with her brother or whether to persevere in a tough task, her emotions feel authentic. This realism helps kids connect with her and, by extension, reflect on their own choices.

Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Interactive and Engaging

Levy’s writing is simple yet effective, using direct language that speaks to kids without talking down to them. The interactive format keeps young readers engaged, turning reading into an active rather than passive experience.

The book’s structure—modeled after choose-your-own-adventure tales—is its biggest strength. By letting kids “control” the story, it fosters critical thinking and emotional intelligence. The illustrations by Mat Sadler complement the text beautifully, adding warmth and humor to Darla’s world.

Themes & Deeper Meanings: More Than Just a Fun Read

At its core, What Should Darla Do? is about agency—the idea that we have the power to shape our lives through our choices. Key themes include:

  • Responsibility: Every action has a consequence.
  • Empathy: How our choices affect others.
  • Resilience: Mistakes are part of learning.
  • Self-Reflection: Encouraging kids to pause and think before acting.

These lessons are woven seamlessly into the story, never feeling forced. The book also subtly introduces growth mindset principles, showing that abilities can improve with effort.

Personal Reading Experience: Why Kids (and Parents) Love It

Reading this with my child was a revelation. Instead of me lecturing about “doing the right thing,” the book sparked natural conversations: “What would you do here?” “How do you think Darla feels now?” It was empowering for my child to see that they had control over the story—and by extension, their own choices.

The multiple endings also encouraged re-reading, which is rare for kids’ books. Each time, my child made different decisions, leading to new discussions.

Comparison to Other Books in the Genre

Interactive children’s books aren’t new (Choose Your Own Adventure series, The Monster at the End of This Book), but What Should Darla Do? stands out for its practical life lessons. Unlike purely fantastical adventures, Darla’s scenarios are grounded in everyday kid experiences, making the lessons more impactful.

It’s also more structured than open-ended books like Press Here by Hervé Tullet, offering clear cause-and-effect outcomes.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:

✅ Teaches without preaching – Kids learn through experience, not lectures.
✅ Encourages re-reading – Multiple paths extend the book’s value.
✅ Builds emotional intelligence – Helps kids recognize feelings and consequences.
✅ Great for reluctant readers – The interactive format keeps engagement high.

Minor Weaknesses:

❌ Some choices feel a bit obvious – A few scenarios lean heavily toward a “right” answer.
❌ Limited diversity in side characters – More representation could enhance relatability.

Target Audience: Who Should Read This?

  • Ages 5-10 – Perfect for early readers and those transitioning to chapter books.
  • Parents & Educators – A fantastic tool for teaching decision-making and social skills.
  • Fans of interactive stories – If your child loves The Magic Tree House or Disney’s Twisted Tales, they’ll enjoy this.

Memorable Quotes & Passages

“Every choice you make helps create the person you’re becoming.”

“Sometimes the hardest choice is the right one.”

These lines encapsulate the book’s message beautifully—simple yet profound.

Cultural & Historical Context

While not tied to a specific historical event, the book aligns with modern parenting trends emphasizing emotional literacy and growth mindset. In an era where kids face increasing social pressures, teaching them to navigate choices confidently is more important than ever.

Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Raising Thoughtful Kids

What Should Darla Do? isn’t just a book—it’s a parenting tool disguised as fun. By blending storytelling with real-world lessons, it empowers kids to think critically and act compassionately. Whether you’re looking for a bedtime story with depth or a way to spark meaningful conversations, this book delivers.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Readers:

  • What’s a choice you’ve made that had a big impact?
  • If you could add another scenario for Darla, what would it be?
  • How do you talk to kids about consequences in your life?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Have you read this with a child? What was their favorite part?

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