Planet Omar: Ultimate Rocket Blast
#5 of 5 in Planet Omar Series
What’s inside...
Welcome back to Planet Omar! The fifth book in Zanib Mian's laugh-out-loud series, with amazing cartoon-style illustrations, is perfect for fans of Tom Gates and Wimpy Kid. Omar and his friends are participating in a national rocket building competition, with a little help from Omar's scientist parents and some creative fuel sources. But their adventure takes a turn when the rockets start being sabotaged, sending the boys on a mission to uncover the saboteur. This action-packed installment continues the adventures of a Muslim boy with a huge imagination, dealing with challenges using wit and ingenuity. The action-packed fifth installment in the infectiously sweet illustrated middle grade series starring a Muslim boy with a huge imagination. Omar and his friends are blasting off on another adventure—this time at a rocket-building competition. All of his family's Science Sundays prepared Omar to lead his friends on their quest to build the best rocket in their school, sending them to the nationals. But when their rocket is sabotaged, Omar and his friends have to use their expertise in science and mysteries to find the culprit. This fifth book in the charming, warmhearted, and hilarious series about a boy growing up in a close-knit Muslim family, packed with eye-popping artwork by Kyan Cheng, is explosively fun!
Discussion points
What did you think about Omar's adventure into space? How did it make you feel?
If you could design your own rocket, what would it look like and where would you go?
Omar faced some challenges in the story. Can you recall a time when you had to overcome a difficulty? What did you learn from that experience?
How do you think cooperation and teamwork helped Omar and his friends during their space journey?
What was your favorite part of the book and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story. You can mirror their emotions to show understanding and support.
Invite your child to use their imagination to extend the story, perhaps drawing their ideal rocket or writing a short story about their own space adventure.
Discuss the values of friendship and teamwork as illustrated in the book. Ask your child to give examples of how they work with friends or family.
Help your child connect the challenges faced by Omar to their own life. This draws personal relevance from the story, enhancing their empathy and problem-solving skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: Planet Omar: Ultimate Rocket Blast showcases diverse characters and cultures, teaching children the importance of accepting and celebrating differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect their peers from different backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in their community.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The protagonist, Omar, faces various challenges throughout the book and uses creative thinking to solve them, emphasizing the value of problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to think critically and find solutions in their own lives, whether it's resolving conflicts with friends or tackling difficult school assignments.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family and Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, Omar relies on the support and advice of his family and friends, which highlights the significance of these relationships.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the value of maintaining strong relationships with family and friends, which can provide emotional support and enrich their lives.
Example Lesson: Courage and Perseverance
Explanation: Omar shows courage when facing bullies and perseverance when dealing with personal and family challenges, teaching children about resilience.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears and persist through difficulties, knowing that courage and effort lead to positive outcomes.
Example Lesson: Joy of Learning
Explanation: Omar’s adventures include a lot of learning, especially about science and space, which communicates the joy of acquiring new knowledge.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious and enthusiastic about learning, motivating them to explore their own interests and education.