Little Green Men at the Mercury Inn
What’s inside...
Beach culture and UFOs collide in this lighthearted adventure story about an alien encounter at an aging Cocoa Beach motel. Twelve-year-old Aidan lives and works at his parents' motel on the Space Coast in Florida, so he's seen a lot of weird stuff. Even his best friend, Louis, is a little bit crazy--he's obsessed with UFOs and swears he saw one two years ago. But things at the Mercury Inn are about to get a whole lot weirder. When an actual unidentified flying object suddenly appears in the sky over the motel, Aidan begins to realize that some of the residents of the Mercury Inn may be much more unusual than he thought. And Louis might not be so crazy after all. Filled with quirky characters and atmosphere, this beachy alien caper, like the aging motel where it takes place, is anything but ordinary.
Age
9-12
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to meet an alien? How would you react?
How do the characters in the book handle unexpected events? Can you think of a time when you handled something unexpected?
What does the story suggest about friendship and accepting differences? Why is this important?
Do you think there's life on other planets? Why or why not?
If you could create your own alien character, what would it look like and what special abilities would it have?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their own alien encounter. This can help them connect personally with the book's themes and enhance their creativity.
Discuss the characters' reactions to the unexpected events in the story. Relate these situations to real-life examples where your child needed to adapt to changes, fostering resilience and problem-solving skills.
Focus on the theme of friendship and acceptance. Ask your child why they think it's important to be accepting of others who are different from us, reinforcing empathy and inclusiveness.
Stoke curiosity about the universe. Explore together whether life on other planets is a possibility, integrating science with imaginative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The book dives into the lives of diverse characters, including those with unusual abilities. It portrays the acceptance and friendship formed among different individuals.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to appreciate and respect individuals from various backgrounds and abilities, promoting inclusivity in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The protagonist's interest in the guests at his family's inn leads to adventures and discoveries, underlining the importance of curiosity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore, ask questions, and learn from their surroundings, enhancing their knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Courage in Facing the Unknown
Explanation: Characters in the book often encounter strange and unexpected events, showing bravery as they confront these challenges.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to face new or intimidating situations with courage, helping them to overcome fears and grow personally.
Example Lesson: The Value of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must collaborate to solve problems, highlighting the effectiveness of working together.
Real-World Application: Promotes collaborative skills among children, teaching them the importance of teamwork in achieving common goals.