Pirates of the Retail Wasteland
#3 in Leon And The Spitting Image Series
on Goodreads (77)
What’s inside...
Leon and his miscreant buddies from the gifted pool are mad as hell, and they're not going to take it anymore! Their favorite downtown coffeeshop, Sip–the only survivor in the barren moonscape of decrepit Old Downtown–is in danger of being run out of business by the ubiquitous and oh-so-corporate coffee chain, Wackford’s. Wackford’s doesn’t host readings or smell funky or support the arts the way Sip does–it’s basically a glorified office. With the help of the Wackford’s manager–a self-described “McHobo” who’s worked for every chain along the strip–Leon and his friends decide to protest by taking over the Wackford’s and making it into a middle-management office. Meanwhile, Leon deals with an unwanted crush, a Mohawked father, and his friend Dustin’s ongoing quest to take down the gym teacher via depressing poems. Nothing quite goes as expected, but that’s the great thing about life in the gifted pool.
Discussion points
What do you think Leon and his friends were trying to achieve by reviving the old movie theater? How does it impact their community?
How do the characters in the book handle challenges and disagreements? What can we learn from their approaches?
Why is it important for Leon and his friends to have a 'hangout' spot? How does this space affect their friendships and interactions?
How do the characters in the book express their creativity? Can you think of a creative project that you would like to start?
What role do the adults play in this story? Do you think they understand the teenagers' perspectives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Leon's situation and what choices they would have made differently.
Discuss the theme of community and teamwork by exploring how each character contributes to their common goals.
Highlight the value of perseverance shown in the book by talking about times when your child had to keep trying to succeed.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of having a safe and fun place to meet friends and how it can influence personal growth.
Prompt your child to think about how they can use their own talents and interests to make a positive change in their community, just like the characters in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Creativity
Explanation: The characters in 'Pirates of the Retail Wasteland' use their creativity to express themselves and challenge the corporate takeover of their favorite local hangout.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use their imagination to solve problems and create meaningful change in their communities.
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: The protagonist, Leon, and his friends come together to fight against the homogenization of their town, showcasing how teamwork can accomplish goals that might seem unattainable individually.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of collaborating with others and respecting diverse opinions to achieve a common goal.
Example Lesson: Standing Up for What You Believe In
Explanation: Leon and his peers stand up for the local café, demonstrating the importance of advocating for places and principles that are important to them.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to voice their opinions and defend their beliefs in face of opposition, helping them develop into confident and assertive individuals.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking About Consumerism
Explanation: The book prompts readers to think critically about consumerism and the effects of big corporations on small businesses.
Real-World Application: Children learn to analyze the impact of their shopping choices on their environment and consider supporting local businesses.