The Extraordinary Adventures of Alice Tonks
What’s inside...
Alice Tonks, a new student at boarding school, longs to make friends and be accepted for who she is, especially given her autism. However, her life takes a mysterious turn after an encounter with a talking seagull. Soon, Alice discovers animals are vanishing, and with the help of new friends, she must embrace her magical powers to uncover the truth and become the hero she never envisioned. This thrilling tale celebrates the power of friendship, acceptance, and finding one's voice, with a twist of magical realism and a lead autistic protagonist.
Age
8-12
Length
352 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Alice Tonks
Tim
Ottie
Harriet Addison
Discussion points
What do you think Alice felt when she discovered her extraordinary abilities? Can you relate to her feelings?
Alice faces many challenges throughout her adventures. What are some ways she overcame these obstacles and what can we learn from her?
If you had powers like Alice, what would you do with them?
The book explores themes of friendship and bravery. How do Alice’s friends support her, and why is bravery important in her adventures?
What is the most important lesson Alice learns by the end of her adventures? How can this lesson apply to your life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Alice and her adventures, relating it to their personal experiences.
Discuss the moral lessons in the story and their relevance to everyday life, helping your child connect the dots between fiction and reality.
Ask your child to imagine alternative scenarios or endings for the book, fostering creativity and deeper thinking.
Create a supportive environment for discussion by validating your child’s opinions and emotions, making them feel heard and understood.
Use examples from the book to teach problem-solving skills, asking questions like, 'What would Alice do?' when faced with a difficult decision.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Uniqueness
Explanation: Alice Tonks is portrayed as a unique character with her own set of quirky traits and abilities, highlighting the beauty of individual differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own unique qualities and those of others, fostering a sense of self-acceptance and respect for diversity.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Alice's adventures are often shared with her friends, demonstrating how camaraderie and teamwork can solve problems.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to cultivate strong friendships, cooperate with others, and value the strengths of their peers in group settings.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Challenges
Explanation: Alice encounters various challenges during her adventures but approaches them with bravery, teaching readers about the importance of facing fears.
Real-World Application: Kids can be inspired to tackle their own challenges, whether it's trying new activities, making new friends, or standing up for what's right.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The book showcases Alice using her wits and resources to navigate through her extraordinary adventures, emphasizing critical thinking and creativity.
Real-World Application: This promotes analytical thinking and creativity in children, encouraging them to think outside the box and find solutions in their daily encounters.
Example Lesson: Joy of Adventure
Explanation: Alice's zest for exploring the unknown is a central theme, encouraging readers to see life as a thrilling adventure.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore new hobbies, learn about different cultures, and gain a broader perspective on the world.