K Is in Trouble (A Graphic Novel)
#1 of 1 in K Is In Trouble Series
on Goodreads (296)
What’s inside...
In this Kafkaesque middle grade graphic novel, a boy named K navigates a world of outrageously unkind adults. Despite being nice, polite, and always following instructions, K continuously finds himself in trouble for every possible reason, from going to school to simply being thirsty. He struggles with various characters including crows, teachers, and even a carp. The absurdity of K's experiences is humorously depicted through art reminiscent of James Marshall, and the story delivers a timeless message about the obliviousness of adults.
Discussion points
What do you think K felt when he faced trouble, and how would you feel in a similar situation?
Can you think of a time you helped someone like K's friends helped him? What did you do?
How do you think the story would change if K made different decisions? What would you have done differently?
Why is it important to have supportive friends like K had?
What did you learn from K’s experiences that you can apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal anecdote about a time you faced a difficulty, drawing parallels to K’s situation in the story.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book by using expressive questions that require more than a yes or no answer.
Praise your child’s responses to reinforce open communication, making them feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.
Link discussions to real-life events or decisions your child might encounter, enhancing their ability to relate to the themes in the book.
Create a relaxed environment for discussions, perhaps during a quiet time or after reading the book together, to make these talks more engaging and productive.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'K Is in Trouble', the protagonist faces consequences due to neglecting responsibilities. This narrative arc illustrates the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to manage their own tasks, such as completing homework or chores, understanding that their actions directly affect outcomes.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters encounter various challenges which they must overcome using creative problem-solving techniques.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to think critically and creatively when faced with challenges in school or in social scenarios.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Characters in the book show compassion and understanding toward each other’s dilemmas, teaching the value of seeing situations from another's perspective.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy in real life by recognizing emotions in others and responding thoughtfully in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Collaboration
Explanation: The characters often work together to solve problems, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the effectiveness of collaborating with peers or family members to achieve common goals or resolve disputes.