Fast Forward: A Dangerous Secret
#2 in Fast forward Series
What’s inside...
Hamish Wadja, a freshman at Capra Video High School, receives a mysterious DVD called a Vidz from the enigmatic First Director. This DVD transports him into a fantasy world where he must battle an evil wizard to prevent malevolent forces from overtaking his own world. As Hamish navigates this unscripted, director-less adventure, he must muster the courage to confront the villains and shape his own destiny to preserve the life he knows at Capra Video High. HAMISH'S LIFE SHOULD be perfect now that he’s at Capra Video High School, studying his great passion in movies. But he finds himself with few friends, and not much to do besides watch movies at home. Then he finds a mysterious note in his locker. 'You have been chosen to fight evil!' it says. Huh? That’s the kind of thing that happens in the movies, right? It doesn’t happen to Hamish . . . or does it? Soon Hamish has entered the world of the Vidz, where there’s no script to follow, no director to tell you what to do, and no spooky music to tell you when something scary is about to happen. It’s up to Hamish to decide how this movie is going to end, and he’d better fight those bad guys, because if they win, Hamish’s whole life at Capra Video High will change.
Discussion points
How did the secret affect the characters' relationships in the story?
What would you do if you found yourself in a situation similar to the characters in 'Fast Forward: A Dangerous Secret'?
How do you think keeping secrets can impact friendships or families?
What actions by the characters in the book do you agree or disagree with, and why?
Can you think of a time when you learned something surprising that changed your perspective, like the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the characters' shoes, prompting them to consider different perspectives. Facilitate a judgment-free zone where children can express their views openly without fear of being corrected. Use examples from the book to discuss the potential consequences of actions and decisions, fostering critical thinking. Connect the book's themes with real-life scenarios your child might encounter to make the discussion more relatable. Highlight the moral and ethical questions raised in the book to guide a deeper conversation about values and integrity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'Fast Forward: A Dangerous Secret,' the protagonist learns the hard way that hiding the truth can lead to dangerous situations. Through his journey, honesty is highlighted as a crucial moral to uphold.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the value of being truthful with their friends, family, and teachers, thereby fostering trust and security in their relationships.
Example Lesson: Bravery in facing challenges
Explanation: The characters in the book often face tough decisions and risky situations. Their courage in dealing with these challenges teaches resilience and the courage to face fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson is applicable in a child's life when dealing with new or intimidating situations, such as starting at a new school or standing up to a bully, showing them that courage can lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must collaborate to solve mysteries and overcome obstacles. This emphasizes the effectiveness of working together toward a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate with their peers in group projects or team sports, appreciating that collective effort often yields the best results.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: As the plot unfolds, the protagonist sees the direct consequences of his actions, both good and bad, which illustrates the cause-and-effect nature of making choices.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider the potential outcomes of their actions and encourages them to think ahead and make thoughtful decisions.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: The book features a variety of characters from different backgrounds, showing how diversity enriches experiences and solves problems through unique perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children to embrace and respect people’s differences in their community, promoting inclusivity and empathy in their daily interactions.