Soul Power! (Static Shock Chapter Book, No. 2)
#2 in Static Shock Chapter Book Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
Virgil Hawkins agrees to do community service at a retirement home, where he is in for some shocking surprises. He embarks on a journey to learn about superhero history and possibly discovers the key to his own destiny. As TV’s first and only Saturday morning African American teen superhero, Virgil must go old school and uncover the secrets of African-American superheroes before him. Alongside Static, he will need all the soul power he can muster to face the daunting challenges that lie ahead.
Discussion points
How do you think Static Shock feels when he discovers his powers, and how would you feel in his situation?
What are some ways Static Shock uses his powers to help others? Can you think of ways we can help people around us?
Static Shock encounters challenges and obstacles. What are some challenges he faces and how does he overcome them?
What lessons do you think we can learn from Static Shock about responsibility?
How do the other characters in the book react to Static Shock's powers? What does this teach us about friendship and acceptance?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by summarizing the chapter together to ensure comprehension. Listen actively to your child’s responses, showing interest and encouraging deeper thinking. Relate discussions to your child’s experiences, linking themes of courage, responsibility, and friendship to real-life scenarios. Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of using one's talents to benefit others, emphasizing moral values. Finally, encourage your child to imagine their own superhero identity and powers, exploring how they would use these to help and inspire others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist, Virgil Hawkins, consistently demonstrates responsibility by using his powers as Static Shock to help others and make ethical choices.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and the impact those actions can have on others around them.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Virgil faces various challenges and villains bravely, showing courage in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to act bravely and stand up for what is right, even when it’s difficult.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the book, Virgil shows empathy by understanding the feelings of others, whether they are friends or foes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider other people's feelings and perspectives, fostering a more empathetic attitude in various social situations.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Virgil relies on his friends for support and teamwork to overcome obstacles, emphasizing the importance of having trustworthy friends.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of cultivating and maintaining positive relationships with peers.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the difficulties he faces, Virgil remains persistent in his goals, demonstrating perseverance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to keep trying and not give up, even when faced with challenges.