Legends of Zita the Spacegirl
#2 of 3 in Zita the Spacegirl Series
on Goodreads (10,394)
What’s inside...
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Ben Hatke brings back our intrepid space heroine for another delightful sci-fi/fantasy adventure. Zita is determined to find her way home to earth, following the events of the first book. But things are never simple, and certainly never easy, in space. Zita's exploits from her first adventure have made her an intergalactic megastar! But she's about to find out that fame doesn't come without a price. And who can you trust when your true self is being eclipsed by your public persona, and you've got a robot doppelganger wreaking havoc while wearing your face? Still, if anyone can find their way through this intractable mess of mistaken identity and alien invaders, it's the indomitable Zita, in Legends of Zita the Spacegirl. Legends of Zita the Spacegirl is one of Kirkus Reviews' Best Children's Books of 2012.
Discussion points
How do you think Zita feels when she is called a hero, and how would you feel in her place?
What are some ways Zita shows courage throughout the story?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a tough decision, like Zita? What did you do?
Zita meets many different creatures on her adventures. Which one was your favorite and why?
What do you think is the most important lesson Zita learns in her adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and voice modulation to bring the story to life as you discuss it, making the conversation more engaging for your child.
Refer to specific scenes and characters in the book to anchor the discussion in concrete examples that your child can easily recall.
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences to Zita's adventures, fostering a deeper personal connection to the story.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to show genuine interest and encourage them to expand on their thoughts.
Highlight the values such as bravery, kindness, and perseverance shown by Zita to reinforce these qualities in your child’s development.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Zita takes on the responsibility of being a hero, making tough decisions and facing challenges head-on.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of taking responsibility in their actions and the impact they can have on others.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, Zita collaborates with a diverse group of characters to solve problems and overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of working with others, regardless of differences, to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Zita shows courage by bravely navigating unknown territories and confronting villains.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to face their fears and stand up for what is right, even in challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of building and maintaining friendships, even in unfamiliar circumstances.
Real-World Application: This emphasizes to children the importance of supporting and trusting their friends in both good times and bad.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Zita's adventures require her to adapt to new environments and situations quickly.
Real-World Application: Children learn the skill of adapting to change and making the best out of new or unexpected situations.