A Battle Begins: An Unofficial Minecrafters Graphic Novel for Fans of the Aquatic Update (4) (The S.Q.U.I.D. Squad)
#4 of 6 in The S.Q.U.I.D. Squad Series
on Goodreads (34)
What’s inside...
For boys and girls who love Minecraft, the fourth book in a new series by New York Times bestselling author Megan Miller uses over 750 images to transport young readers into the world of the game they love most. Max, 'Inky,' and Luke are the youngest members of a secret underwater society dedicated to protecting the books and artifacts of their home from evil invaders. They call themselves the S.Q.U.I.D. Squad, and they never turn down a dangerous adventure. When Pillagers establish an outpost not far from the Book Guardian's hidden ravine headquarters, it's time for the S.Q.U.I.D Squad to swim into action. When their plans to outwit and scare the Pillagers fail, they must turn to the help of a mysterious captive of the Pillagers, the Talker. But the Talker seems to have devious plans of her own.
Discussion points
What do you think makes the S.Q.U.I.D. Squad a good team? How do they support each other during their adventures?
If you could invent a gadget for underwater exploration like in the book, what would it do and why?
How do the characters in the book deal with challenges or conflicts? What can we learn from their strategies?
What were some of the moral decisions the characters had to make? How would you have handled those situations?
What was your favorite part of the aquatic update in the story, and why did it stand out to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of the characters, discussing how they might feel or react in similar situations. Use the book as a springboard to discuss broader themes like teamwork, creativity, and ethical decision-making. Try to connect discussions to your child’s everyday experiences, such as school projects or interactions with friends, to make the themes more relatable. Finally, show enthusiasm for your child's ideas and responses to foster a deeper engagement and love for reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In the story, the characters must work together to navigate challenges in the underwater world of Minecraft. This collaboration is crucial for their survival and success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities or school projects, learning to value each participant's input and working cohesively towards common goals.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
Explanation: The characters are frequently faced with puzzles and obstacles that require creative thinking and strategic planning to overcome.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and solve problems in their academic and personal lives, enhancing their decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptability
Explanation: As the characters encounter unexpected challenges, they learn to adapt and persevere, showing resilience in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to remain resilient and adaptable when facing difficulties, preparing them to tackle life's unpredictable challenges.
Example Lesson: Ethics and Integrity
Explanation: Throughout their adventure, the protagonists must make decisions that test their morals and ethics, promoting honesty and integrity.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of making ethical decisions and acting with integrity, both in their interactions with others and in their personal choices.