Planet Omar: Incredible Rescue Mission
#3 of 5 in Planet Omar Series
What’s inside...
Omar has to solve the mystery of his missing teacher in the third installment of this highly-illustrated middle-grade series starring a Muslim boy with a huge imagination. Omar is going on his biggest adventure yet—a trip to Pakistan! But his excitement about the trip is interrupted by some shocking news—his amazing teacher is not coming back to school, and no one will say why. When Omar and his friends start investigating, the hints they overhear and clues they find lead them to an alarming conclusion—it must be aliens! Omar has a huge imagination, but saving his teacher from aliens seems far-fetched even to him. He's going to need out-of-this-world creative thinking and a huge spirit of adventure to solve this mystery!
Discussion points
What do you think Omar felt when he was trying to save the day? How would you feel in his situation?
Omar has to solve a big problem in the story. Can you think of a time when you solved a problem? What did you do?
How do the different characters in the book help Omar in his mission? Why is teamwork important?
What are some ways that Omar shows courage and kindness throughout his adventure?
If you could add another adventure to Omar’s story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book’s scenarios, relating them to their own experiences.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and asking for help, highlighted in the book, and connect these themes to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or additional adventures for Omar, encouraging creative thinking and storytelling skills.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers and insights, reinforcing their understanding and confidence in expressing their ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Omar navigates new friendships and conflicts, showing readers how to empathize with others even when opinions differ.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding in school or in playgroups, learning to listen and engage respectfully with peers of varying viewpoints.
Example Lesson: Courage and Perseverance
Explanation: Faced with the challenge of rescuing his school’s pet when it goes missing, Omar exemplifies courage and the spirit of never giving up.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own challenges head-on, whether it’s tackling a difficult subject in school or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the rescue mission, cooperation and teamwork play crucial roles in achieving goals, portraying how working together leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of collaboration and sharing responsibilities, skills important for group projects and family responsibilities.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Omar and his friends use creative thinking and resourcefulness to solve puzzles they face, demonstrating effective problem-solving strategies.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these strategies in their daily life tasks or in resolving conflicts with friends or siblings, enhancing their cognitive and social skills.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: The book also touches on cultural diversity, providing a gentle introduction to different traditions and ways of life.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children embrace diversity, promoting inclusive attitudes and respect for various cultural backgrounds in their community.