Elvis and the Underdogs: Secrets, Secret Service, and Room Service
#2 of 2 in Elvis and the Underdogs Series
What’s inside...
Perfect for fans of R. J. Palacio and Gordon Korman, this is the hilarious and heartwarming sequel to Elvis and the Underdogs from author Jenny Lee. In this sequel, Benji's former safety dog, Elvis, has been taken away by the Secret Service to become the president's dog. Although Benji misses him terribly, he is able to see plenty of pictures and videos of Elvis online. While watching a video of the president's speech, Benji and his friends notice Elvis thumping his tail in what appears to be a code. They realize Elvis is signaling for help and embark on a madcap adventure to Washington DC to uncover the truth behind Elvis's distress signals and state secrets, all while trying to avoid getting caught.
Character compass
Benji Wendell Barnsworth
Alexander
Taisy
Elvis Presley
Discussion points
What do you think makes Benji so special, and how does his relationship with Elvis the dog change his life?
How do the characters in the book show courage and support each other during challenges?
If you were in Benji’s position, how would you handle meeting a secret service agent?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and trust from the characters in the story?
How do you think the story would change if you were one of the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences similar to Benji's and discuss how they might react in similar situations.
Ask your child to describe their favorite character and explain why they find them appealing or inspiring.
Discuss the themes of courage and perseverance. Ask for examples of when they had to show courage.
Post-reading, suggest your child draw a scene or a character from the book. Discuss their drawing, focusing on how it relates to the story and what it means to them.
Encourage them to think about how the characters' decisions impact the story, and ask what they might have done differently.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: In the book, Benji, the main character shows courage by facing his fears and confidence issues when he starts a new school and deals with his illness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of facing their fears, whether it's trying new activities or standing up for themselves in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The story explores the theme of friendship as Benji forms a strong bond with his supportive and quirky friends who help him navigate various challenges.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and nurture friendships, and understand how vital a support system is in overcoming life's hurdles.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Benji learns to take responsibility throughout the novel, especially when tasked with missions from the secret service that involve taking care of his friends and making tough decisions.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to take ownership of their actions and decisions and understand the impact they have on others around them.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The characters frequently face challenges that require quick thinking and innovative solutions, promoting the importance of problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these skills in everyday situations, from tackling school projects to resolving conflicts with peers.