My Friend the Alien: A Bloomsbury Reader
Bloomsbury Readers Series
What’s inside...
In 'My Friend the Alien: A Bloomsbury Reader' by Zanib Mian, a heartwarming tale unfolds about a young boy named Max who discovers an alien, named Zob, and they embark on adventures filled with fun, challenges, and learning. This engaging story not only captures the essence of friendship and acceptance but also subtly educates on diversity and empathy. Ideal for young readers stepping into independent reading, the book uses simple language and relatable scenarios to strengthen reading skills and boost confidence. Parents will appreciate the gentle approach to social and emotional learning embedded within an entertaining narrative. A thought-provoking comedy about being an alien from prize-winning Zanib Mian, Maxx is a real alien - from the planet Zerg. He's on Earth to research these strange things called emotions that humans have (and eat as much chocolate as he can). However, some humans seem to think Maxx's new human friend Jibreel is an alien too, and Maxx can't understand why being from another country would make someone an alien. This funny science-fiction story is excellent for tackling difficult topics like racism and refugees with children. With hilarious black-and-white illustrations by Sernur Isik throughout, it's perfect for children who are developing as readers. The Bloomsbury Readers series offers book-banded stories by award-winning authors covering a wide range of genres and topics, with charming illustrations and online guided reading notes by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), making it ideal for reading both in the classroom and at home.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-9
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it feels like to be an alien visiting a new planet like Earth?
How did the characters in the story show friendship and understanding to someone who is different?
What would you do if you met someone who looked or acted differently from everyone else you know?
Can you think of a time when you felt like an outsider? How did you handle that situation?
If you could ask the alien one question, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to foster a deeper understanding and personal connection to the story’s themes.
Encourage empathy by discussing how the alien might have felt in various scenarios throughout the book.
Relate the story’s situations to real-life events or feelings your child might have experienced to make the book more relatable.
Prompt your child to imagine creative solutions or endings to the story to engage their problem-solving skills.
Discuss the importance of diversity and acceptance, drawing parallels between the book’s message and everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: This book showcases the power of friendship between different species, highlighting how understanding and empathy are developed as the characters interact and learn from each other.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these lessons by learning to appreciate and embrace differences in their peers, fostering inclusive and supportive environments at school and in social settings.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters face various challenges that they must overcome together, demonstrating effective collaboration and problem-solving strategies.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach conflicts and difficulties with a mindset geared towards constructive solutions, which is beneficial in both academic and personal scenarios.
Example Lesson: Importance of Communication
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters must find ways to communicate despite differences, illustrating the importance and impact of clear communication.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to express themselves clearly and listen to others attentively, which are crucial skills for successful interactions in all areas of life.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The characters often take brave actions to help friends, teaching readers the value of courage in the face of fear or uncertainty.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to act bravely in situations where they need to stand up for themselves or others, promoting a sense of justice and self-confidence.