Max
on Goodreads (341)
What’s inside...
What does a Super hero do when they are not being 'Super'? It's not easy being the son of legendary superheroes Captain Lightning and Madam Thunderbolt. Max has a cape and a mask, but he doesn't fly like his parents. Feeling ordinary, Max finally discovers his ability to fly while saving a falling baby bird. Embracing his new power, Max decides to be a small hero, doing small deeds, which his mother appreciates, acknowledging that the world needs more small heroes. A touching and humorous tale about self-discovery and embracing one's unique abilities, penned by the acclaimed Bob Graham.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Max felt when he finally flew? Can you describe a time when you accomplished something challenging?
What do you think made Max different from the rest of his family? How do you think this made him feel?
Why do you think Max's parents were worried about him? Have you ever felt worried about trying something new?
How did Max's family react when he succeeded? Why is it important to support family and friends?
What does this story teach us about perseverance and believing in ourselves?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that allow your child to explore their feelings and thoughts about the story, ensuring a deeper connection with the themes.
Relate the story's challenges faced by Max to personal experiences of your child to make the themes more relatable and understandable.
Discuss the emotions portrayed throughout the book, prompting your child to empathize with the characters and enhance emotional intelligence.
Encourage your child to predict what might happen next at several points in the story, fostering critical thinking and engagement.
Celebrate your child’s responses and insights during the discussion to boost their confidence and enthusiasm for reading and sharing.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Max', the young protagonist displays understanding and care for others, despite being a superhero. Max chooses to help a hurt bird rather than demonstrate his flying ability, showcasing his compassionate nature.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of caring for others' feelings and needs, practicing empathy by helping friends or family in distress, or caring for pets and wildlife.
Example Lesson: Individuality
Explanation: Max discovers his unique path and identity, different from the expected superhero role his family assumes. His actions emphasize that personal strengths come in diverse forms, not just those traditionally celebrated.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace their own unique qualities and strengths, understanding that being different is valuable and that they do not need to conform to pre-existing expectations.
Example Lesson: Bravery
Explanation: Max exhibits bravery, not through typical superhero feats, but by daring to be kind and gentle in a context that prizes physical strength. His choice to nurture rather than show off his powers underlines a different kind of courage.
Real-World Application: Children learn that true bravery can involve non-conventional forms of courage such as standing up for what they believe in, even if it goes against the crowd.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story presents Max taking responsibility to care for something weaker than himself. This act of nurturing a hurt bird despite the allure of showing off his flight capabilities demonstrates a mature prioritization of duties over personal glory.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of taking responsibility seriously and prioritizing the needs of others, especially when they are in a position to help.
Example Lesson: Self-confidence
Explanation: Max’s journey towards discovering his special way of being a superhero helps build his self-confidence. By the end, Max feels proud of his unique abilities and understands his value beyond conventional expectations.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to have confidence in their own abilities and to value their individual contributions, regardless of how they compare to others’ expectations or capabilities.