Big Monty and the Pumped Up Principal
#3 of 3 in Monty Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
Fifth-grader Merlin Montgomery, also known as Big Monty, faces the challenge of saving his school once again when the principal accidentally consumes a toxic energy drink. As the reputation of the school hangs in the balance due to the principal's erratic behavior, Big Monty must enlist the help of his life-long enemy, A'lo, and his super-smart best friend, Global. Filled with engaging science activities and vocabulary building exercises, this book is designed to captivate even the most reluctant readers. This third installment in the award-winning series that received the Mom's Choice Award promises to be an exciting read.
Discussion points
What do you think made the principal want to become 'pumped up' in the story?
How did Big Monty react to the changes with the principal? What would you do in his situation?
What are some ways Big Monty tried to solve his problem? Did they work?
Can you think of a time when something unexpected happened at school? How did you and your friends handle it?
What lesson do you think Big Monty learned by the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own school experiences, sparking a deeper personal connection with the narrative.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or different reactions from the characters to enhance creative thinking.
Discuss the importance of understanding and empathy when faced with unexpected changes, drawing parallels to real-life situations.
Promote critical thinking by asking what your child would have done differently in Big Monty's place, discussing the potential outcomes of different choices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of responsibility
Explanation: Big Monty takes on the task of solving a problem at his school, showcasing how taking responsibility can lead to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children learn that taking charge and being responsible can help solve problems in their own lives, be it at home or school.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the book, Big Monty works together with his peers to figure out why the principal is acting unusually, illustrating the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by engaging in collaborative activities with friends or classmates to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: Big Monty demonstrates critical thinking by piecing together clues and solving the mystery, reinforcing problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use logic and critical thinking in their daily challenges, enhancing their decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As Big Monty delves deeper into the mystery, he learns more about the Principal’s challenges, teaching children to be empathetic towards others' situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider the feelings and circumstances of others around them, fostering a more compassionate interaction with peers and adults.