The Door in the Alley: The Explorers
#1 in The Explorer Series
on Goodreads (690)
What’s inside...
Featuring a mysterious society, a secretive past, and a pig in a teeny hat, The Explorers: The Door in the Alley is the first book in a new series for fans of The Name of This Book Is a Secret and The Mysterious Benedict Society. Knock once if you can find it—but only members are allowed inside. This story starts when a very uninquisitive boy stumbles upon a very mysterious society. After that, there is danger and adventure; there are missing persons, hired thugs, a hidden box, a lost map, and famous explorers; and there is a girl looking for help that only uninquisitive boys can offer. The Explorers: The Door in the Alley is the first book in a series that is sure to hit young readers right in the funny bone.
Character compass
Sebastian
Evie
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Sebastian and Evie to go on their adventure? How would you feel in their situation?
What is the importance of teamwork as shown in the book? Can you share a time when you had to work with others to solve a problem?
How do the unique skills of each character contribute to their journey? Which character’s skills do you admire the most and why?
What lessons do you think Sebastian and Evie learned by the end of the book? Have you learned similar lessons in your own life?
If you could create your own explorer club, what would its mission be and who would you invite to join?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences and aspirations.
Use praise to reinforce your child’s insights and observations, building their confidence in their analytical and emotional intelligence.
Ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings to the story, boosting their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the moral and ethical questions posed by the characters' decisions, guiding your child to develop their own sense of values and judgment.
Create a fun and relaxed environment for the discussion, possibly setting aside a specific 'book talk' time that your child can look forward to.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The protagonist, Sebastian, embarks on an unexpected journey after discovering a mysterious door, showcasing the excitement and opportunities that come with exploring the unknown.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious about their surroundings and promotes active engagement with the world to discover and learn new things.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Sebastian and Evie work together to solve the puzzles and challenges they face, highlighting the importance of collaboration in accomplishing difficult tasks.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, fostering skills in communication and cooperative problem solving.
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: The characters frequently face dangerous situations, but their willingness to confront these challenges head-on demonstrates courage and resilience.
Real-World Application: Instills confidence in children to face their fears and challenges courageously, understanding that obstacles are a part of life and can be overcome with determination.
Example Lesson: Importance of critical thinking
Explanation: Throughout their adventure, Sebastian and Evie must think critically and creatively to navigate the twists and turns of their journey.
Real-World Application: Promotes the development of critical and creative thinking skills as children learn to analyze situations and think outside the box.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and decision making
Explanation: The young explorers make numerous decisions that carry significant consequences, teaching the importance of thoughtful decision-making and taking responsibility for one's actions.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the impact of their choices and encourages them to take responsibility for their actions in their everyday interactions and decisions.