Summer Reading is Killing Me! (Time Warp Trio, No. 7)
#7 of 16 in Time Warp Trio Series
on Goodreads (878)
What’s inside...
Joe, Fred, and Sam find themselves unexpectedly in a playground, facing a giant chicken. Joe recalls a book he read that matches their current predicament, and realizes that their summer reading list was magically placed inside The Book, causing them to live out the stories. The trio must navigate these adventures, knowing that their back-to-school report will be effortless due to their firsthand experiences. This book is another collaborative effort from Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, known for 'Math Curse', 'The Stinky Cheese Man', and 'The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs'.
Character compass
Joe
Fred
Sam
Discussion points
What would you do if you found yourself inside your favorite book? How would you interact with the characters?
How do you think Joe, Sam, and Fred felt when they realized they were trapped in the summer reading list? What would your feelings be in a similar situation?
Which book from the trio’s summer reading list would you like to visit and why?
What are some ways the boys worked together to solve their problem? Can teamwork help solve problems in real life too?
How did the story change your thoughts about reading or approaching different kinds of books?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their own adventure inside their favorite book, bolstering creative thinking.
Discuss with your child the importance of friendship and teamwork as shown through the characters’ collaboration, relating it to their own experiences with friends.
Share your thoughts and feelings about reading, and ask your child what they enjoy about reading. This establishes a mutual understanding and appreciation for literature.
Encourage your child to express what they would do differently if they were in the characters' shoes, fostering problem-solving skills and personalized engagement with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'Summer Reading is Killing Me!', the characters must work together to navigate the challenges they face in the literary world. Their success hinges on their ability to collaborate and leverage each other's strengths.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value cooperative efforts in school projects, sports, and family activities, teaching them that teamwork can lead to achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Creativity in problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonists use their imagination and creative thinking to solve puzzles and escape perilous situations, demonstrating that thinking outside the box is often necessary.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach obstacles in their lives with creativity, whether in their play, studies, or interpersonal relationships, fostering innovative thinking and solutions.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for literature
Explanation: The narrative humorously interweaves various literary characters and settings, sparking interest and recognition of classic literature. This approach emphasizes the fun and adventure that books can offer.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore different books, genres, and authors, enhancing their reading skills and expanding their literary horizons.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: The Time Warp Trio faces consequences when their actions disrupt the balance of the literary world, teaching them to think about the effects of their actions.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded through this narrative to consider the consequences of their actions in their everyday decisions and interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience and persistence
Explanation: The characters frequently encounter setbacks as they try to find their way back home, yet they persist and don’t give up despite numerous challenges.
Real-World Application: This story models resilience, encouraging children to keep striving towards their goals and to bounce back from setbacks, a crucial skill in both academic and personal growth.