Doppol - Smart Book Recommendations

#1 in A Legendary Alston Boys Adventure Series

The Last Last-Day-of-Summer

3.79
on Goodreads (1,492)

What’s inside...

" The Last Last-Day-of-Summer reminds me that all children deserve to exist in magical spaces where their imaginations and familial bonds will them into heroism. Every single child should have the freedom to be one of The Legendary Alstons. And I, for one, am grateful to Giles, and this brilliant story, for that reminder." —Jason Reynolds, author of Newbery Honoree Long Way Down “The legendary heroes of this legendary book are already legendary when the story begins! From there things can only get legendary-er!” —Tom Angleberger, author of the Origami Yoda series "Lamar Giles has written an instant classic—readers won't want their time with the Legendary Alston Boys of Logan County to end." —Gwenda Bond, author of the Lois Lane series The Hardy Boys meets The Phantom Tollbooth , in the new century! When two adventurous cousins accidentally extend the last day of summer by freezing time, they find the secrets hidden between the unmoving seconds, minutes, and hours are not the endless fun they expected. Otto and Sheed are the local sleuths in their zany Virginia town, masters of unraveling mischief using their unmatched powers of deduction. And as the summer winds down and the first day of school looms, the boys are craving just a little bit more time for fun, even as they bicker over what kind of fun they want to have. That is, until a mysterious man appears with a camera that literally freezes time. Now, with the help of some very strange people and even stranger creatures, Otto and Sheed will have to put aside their differences to save their town—and each other—before time stops for good.

Why read this book

  • Engages with adventure and captivating magical realism.
  • Encourages creativity and imaginative problem-solving in kids.
  • Features diverse characters, promoting inclusivity.
  • Strengthens reading skills through engaging narrative.

The Big Picture

  • Discusses importance of cherishing fleeting moments.
  • Encourages graceful handling of life's transitions.
  • Strengthens understanding of deep family connections.

Diversity & Representation

  • Features African-American protagonists, fostering representation.
  • Explores diverse family dynamics and community interactions.
  • Enhances cultural understanding through imaginative storytelling.
Book in series
#1
Age
8-11
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
intermediate

Character Compass

Discussion points

How did Otto and Sheed's adventures challenge their understanding of time and responsibility?
What qualities make Otto and Sheed great heroes, and can you think of any ways you are similar to them?
How do the different characters in the book handle unexpected challenges, and what can we learn from them?
Why do you think the author chose to mix real-life issues with magical elements, and how did it affect the story?
If you had a chance to freeze time like Otto and Sheed, what would you choose to do and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, fostering a deeper personal connection with the book's themes.
Discuss the moral decisions characters make in the book and ask your child what they would have done in similar situations, enhancing their critical thinking.
Explore the concept of time together, discussing how it's valued differently by people and how it impacts their lives, linking it back to the book's narrative.
Create a fun activity where your child imagines their own fantastical adventure, encouraging creative thinking and making connections to the story's inventive elements.
Highlight the teamwork between Otto and Sheed, prompting discussions about cooperation and collaboration in real life.

What parents love

Exciting adventure that keeps kids turning pages!
Handles time-freezing concept in an understandable way.
Perfect blend of humor, mystery, and life lessons.
Engages kids in thoughtful problem-solving.

Key Lessons

Example Lesson: Value of Time
Explanation: In 'The Last Last-Day-of-Summer,' the protagonists, Otto and Sheed, learn the importance of cherishing time as they battle against time stopping forever in their town.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate everyday moments and understand that time is precious, encouraging them to make the most of their days and value the time they spend with family and friends.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Throughout the story, Otto and Sheed display courage as they take on various challenges. Their bravery in facing the unknown serves as a central theme.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to face their fears, whether it's trying new activities, standing up for themselves, or dealing with changes in life.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The cousins, Otto and Sheed, demonstrate effective teamwork as they collaborate to solve the mysteries and deal with supernatural events in their town.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to work cooperatively in group settings such as school projects, sports teams, or during playtime with peers, understanding that teamwork often leads to better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Problem Solving
Explanation: The story highlights how Otto and Sheed persistently tackle problems and think critically, even when faced with daunting magical dilemmas.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance and resilience when solving both simple and complex problems, and encourages them to apply critical thinking in their studies and personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: As the summer comes to an end, Otto and Sheed learn to accept and embrace change, understanding that it's an inevitable part of life.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children learn to adapt to changes, whether it's transitioning to a new school year, moving to a new place, or adjusting to any new situations in their lives.