Diary of Dorkius Maximus
#1 of 3 in Dorkius Maximus Series
What’s inside...
Dorkius Maximus is a young boy growing up in ancient Rome. This hilarious diary recounts his exploits as, desperate to become a great Roman hero, Dorkius enlists the help of his father's friend, Stoutus, to teach him the noble art of fighting. But heroism doesn't come naturally to Dorkius. Plus, his dad doesn't listen to him, his friends pick on him, and his mum is more interested in her sacred chickens. Dorkius knows there's a mighty warrior inside him, just waiting to get out ... isn't there? Humorously illustrated by Andrew Pinder, this book will delight any child who would like to get a taste of life as an ancient geek.
Discussion points
What do you think Dorkius Maximus learned from his adventures?
How did Dorkius' relationship with his family and friends change throughout the book?
If you were Dorkius, how would you have handled the challenges he faced?
What are some qualities that make Dorkius a unique character?
How do the illustrations complement the story and add to your understanding of Dorkius' world?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing, relate the challenges faced by Dorkius to real-life situations your child might encounter, emphasizing learning from mistakes.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why it stood out to them, fostering a deeper connection with the story.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or adventures for Dorkius, enhancing their creativity and engagement with the narrative.
Discuss the historical and cultural setting of the story to provide context and enhance understanding, making connections to today’s world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience through humor
Explanation: Dorkius Maximus uses humor to cope with the daily challenges of growing up in ancient Rome, keeping a positive attitude despite setbacks.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use humor as a tool to deal with their own challenges, enhancing resilience and maintaining a positive outlook.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Throughout the book, Dorkius often finds himself in tricky situations due to his own errors but learns valuable lessons from each mishap.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to see mistakes as learning opportunities and not be disheartened by them.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Dorkius keeps trying to be a great Roman despite the obstacles, showing determination and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Kids can be inspired to persist in their endeavors, whether in school, sports, or other activities, understanding that success often requires continued efforts.
Example Lesson: Value of historical knowledge
Explanation: The setting of ancient Rome provides a backdrop that introduces readers to historical elements in an engaging way.
Real-World Application: This can spark an interest in history and encourage children to explore and appreciate the past, understanding its impact on the present.