The Invisible Fran (3) (Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist)
#3 of 10 in Franny K. Stein, Mad Scientist Series
on Goodreads (1,565)
What’s inside...
Everyone knows you should follow the Golden Rule and 'do unto others as you'd have others do unto you'. But what if you're a mad young scientist like Franny? Maybe the Rule needs an update? Or maybe the kids in his class will learn to love being mad scientists themselves?
Discussion points
What do you think Fran’s invisibility represents? How did it make her feel?
How do Fran's inventions show her creativity and intelligence? Can you think of a problem you'd like to solve with an invention?
What are the pros and cons of being invisible, based on Fran's experience?
How do Fran's classmates react to her and her inventions? How would you react if you had a classmate like Fran?
How does Fran's character inspire you to embrace your unique qualities?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own lives, which can enhance empathy and understanding. Use examples of times when they felt misunderstood or had a unique idea, mirroring Fran's experiences. Highlight Fran’s resilience and creativity to inspire your child to appreciate and celebrate differences in everyone. Discuss the science behind Fran’s inventions to spark curiosity in how things work. Lastly, emphasize the importance of acceptance and friendship displayed throughout the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: Franny K. Stein is not your average girl—she's a mad scientist. The story celebrates Franny's unique interests and talents, even when they differ from her peers.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate what makes them unique and feel confident in expressing their individual interests and talents.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Franny uses her scientific knowledge and creativity to solve problems that arise, demonstrating critical thinking and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset and to think creatively to find solutions.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Franny faces various challenges and setbacks in her experiments but she never gives up. Her determination shows readers the importance of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of perseverance and resilience in the face of difficulties, understanding that failure is a part of learning and growth.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As Franny interacts with her classmates, she learns to understand and value their perspectives, even when they differ from her own.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of empathy, promoting an understanding and appreciation for the feelings and views of others.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights how Franny's friends support and accept her, no matter how unusual her experiments may seem.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the value of building supportive and accepting friendships, learning the importance of standing by friends in all situations.