Galaxy's Most Wanted #2: Into the Dorkness
#2 of 3 in Galaxy's Most Wanted Series
What’s inside...
Kid genius Kevin Brewer and his friends must defend Earth from an invasion of vengeful aliens in the second installment of John Kloepfer's hilarious illustrated middle grade series Galaxy's Most Wanted, a perfect fit for reluctant readers. With a full-blown intergalactic war brewing, Kevin and his science-camp friends must battle two of the nastiest aliens this side of the Milky Way. It would take a genius to outsmart these extraterrestrial criminals. Lucky for Earth, Kevin and his friends are space-age masterminds.
Discussion points
What do you think motivates the characters to embark on their adventures?
How would you feel if you encountered a situation similar to what the characters faced?
What are some ways the characters showed teamwork and cooperation?
If you could create a device like the ones in the book, what would it do?
How do the different settings in the book affect the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s story and characters openly. Make connections to their own life experiences when discussing the book’s themes. Highlight the importance of teamwork and innovation as depicted in the book, and discuss how these qualities can be applied in real-life scenarios. Lastly, foster creativity by asking your child to imagine their own fantastical inventions inspired by those in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout 'Into the Dorkness', the characters often must work together to solve problems and confront challenges, emphasizing the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of cooperating and valuing each other's ideas to achieve common goals, whether in school projects or in team sports.
Example Lesson: Courage and Facing Fears
Explanation: The protagonist and his friends face numerous fearsome situations but bravely confront them, showcasing the theme of courage.
Real-World Application: This narrative can inspire children to face their own fears and challenges in their daily lives, whether it's trying new activities or standing up for themselves or others.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving and Creativity
Explanation: The characters in the book often use creative thinking and problem solving skills to navigate the challenges they face, promoting a mindset of innovation.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think outside the box and apply creative problem solving in their studies and in overcoming personal challenges.
Example Lesson: The Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Characters in the book experience the outcomes of their decisions, which helps illustrate the concept of actions having consequences.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that their choices impact themselves and others, teaching them to think before they act.
Example Lesson: Importance of Humor
Explanation: The book includes a lot of humor, which helps lighten tense situations and shows how laughter can be a powerful coping mechanism.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that laughter and humor can be effective tools for dealing with difficult situations and for connecting with others.