Spaceboy
illustrations by
on Goodreads (1,461)
What’s inside...
In 'Spaceboy', David Walliams weaves a heartwarming tale of adventure and friendship. The story follows a young boy named Alex who dreams of becoming an astronaut. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a lost alien named Zork. Together, they embark on an exhilarating journey to help Zork return to his home planet, learning valuable lessons about bravery, kindness, and the importance of family along the way. Meanwhile, in 1960s America, twelve-year-old orphan Ruth stuck on a remote farm dreams of adventure while gazing at the stars. Her life changes when she witnesses a flying saucer crash-landing in a nearby field and meets a mysterious alien, sparking the beginning of an unexpected adventure filled with secrets and revelations.
Age
8-12
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ruth
Spaceboy
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to travel in space like Spaceboy?
How did Spaceboy feel when he was on his adventure? Can you remember a time you felt the same way?
What would you do if you met an alien like Spaceboy did?
Spaceboy showed bravery on his journey. Can you share a moment when you felt brave?
What is the most interesting thing you learned about space from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Spaceboy’s shoes, fostering empathy and curiosity. Utilize expressive reading to highlight the excitement and challenges faced by Spaceboy. After each chapter, pause to discuss your child’s thoughts and feelings about the story, helping them connect personally with the narrative. Draw parallels between Spaceboy's adventures and your child’s daily experiences to deepen their understanding. Engage in activities related to the book’s themes, like stargazing or crafting a spaceship, to extend learning beyond the page.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Spaceboy,' the protagonist works together with his friends to navigate challenges in space, demonstrating the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working together with their peers on group projects or in team sports, learning the value of cooperation and shared success.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The character of Spaceboy is depicted as constantly seeking knowledge about the universe, portraying an enthusiastic approach towards learning.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be curious about the world around them and to pursue learning not just in academic settings, but in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Decision Making
Explanation: Spaceboy is tasked with important missions and must make critical decisions, showing the importance of responsibility and thoughtful decision-making.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to take responsibility for their actions and make well-thought-out decisions, whether it's doing homework on time or choosing how to spend their free time.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear
Explanation: Throughout 'Spaceboy,' the protagonist faces fears but overcomes them, which highlights the theme of bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to facing their own fears, such as trying new activities or standing up in class, and learning the importance of resilience and courage.