One Bad Apple
#10 of 31 in Diary of a Minecraft Zombie Series
on Goodreads (1,850)
What’s inside...
Follow the adventure of 12-year old Zombie who becomes the target of ridicule in school because of a new student, who is nothing but a troublemaker. Along with his friends, Zombie learns the importance of facing problems head on instead of running away, and discovers the power of friendship and unity.
Discussion points
What do you think made the apple feel 'bad' in the story?
How did the other fruits react to the apple, and what can we learn from that?
Can you think of a time when you felt like the 'bad apple'? What helped you feel better?
Why is it important to be kind and understanding to everyone, even if they seem 'bad'?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by reading the book together and let your child express their initial thoughts about the story. Encourage them to think about the emotions of the characters by asking how they would feel in similar situations. Alongside discussing the book’s themes, relate them to real-life situations your child might encounter, making the conversation relevant and engaging. End with a positive reinforcement about the importance of empathy and understanding others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'One Bad Apple,' the protagonist learns the hard consequences of lying, which ultimately leads to mistrust from friends and family.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the value of being truthful and the positive impact it has on building trust in relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout the book, the main character faces various challenges but learns to overcome them through perseverance and courage.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to tackle their own challenges, whether at school or in social settings, and understand that persistence is key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: The power of forgiveness
Explanation: The story emphasizes the strength and healing offered through forgiveness when the protagonist forgives a friend who initially betrayed them.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of forgiving others, how to move forward from conflicts, and the significance of healing fractured relationships.
Example Lesson: Recognizing and valuing differences
Explanation: The book showcases a variety of characters, each with unique traits and perspectives, demonstrating the richness that diversity brings to a community.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace differences in others around them, fostering a more inclusive and understanding environment.