Set text resource: You Could Be So Pretty

In partnership with EmpathyLab(this link will open in a new window) we have created a set text resource for Holly Bourne’s novel You Could Be So Pretty which allows you to explore the book as a set text with a focus on developing empathy skills and an understanding of other people’s feelings and life experiences.

You Could Be So Pretty is a feminist dystopian novel which follows Belle and Joni, two very different young girls who live under the Doctrine, a sexist system that divides women and girls into Prettys and Objectionables. Together, Belle and Joni must work together to try and fight both the Doctrine and the sexism it has normalised.

Please note that this novel explores the impact of misogyny, including beauty standards, sexist bullying and assault. A full list of content warnings is included in the resource. With all of our resources, we highly recommend that you read the book before using it with your class and use your best judgment about whether teaching about this topic is appropriate for the children in your class

Included in this resource is:

• English and Literacy activities that take you through reading the novel with your class
• Cross-curricular activities you can use to further pupils’ understanding through collaborating with other departments in your school
• EmpathyLab learning activities focused on developing pupils’ empathy skills

On our website, you can find our other EmpathyLab set text resources, including:

• Glasgow Boys by Margaret McDonald
• Little Bang by Kelly McCaughrain
• Northern Soul by Phil Earle