The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World's Worst Viking
The Hidden Diary Series
What’s inside...
This humorous book is part of 'The Long-Lost Secret Diary' series, which introduces readers to historical figures in a fun and engaging way. In this installment, we follow the misadventures of a young Viking who is considered the worst in his village. Through his diary entries, we get a glimpse of Viking life, their voyages, battles, and culture, all from the perspective of a less-than-heroic protagonist. The Zero to Hero series of hilarious fictional diaries puts the reader inside the heads of hapless children in frazzling historical situations. Viking follows a child who embarks on a voyage of pillage and discovery with a Viking crew. 'Get Real' fact boxes feature throughout, providing historical context and further information, as well as a timeline, historical biographies, and a glossary in the end matter.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-18
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think was the most challenging part of being a Viking based on the book?
How do you think the main character felt when things didn't go as planned?
If you could have a secret diary, what would you write about?
What lesson do you think the main character learned by the end of the story?
How would you have handled the situations in the book differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their daily life with the life of a Viking to enhance their understanding of historical and cultural differences.
Discuss the emotions of the characters at different points in the story to cultivate empathy and emotional intelligence.
Use the diary format of the book to inspire your child to express their thoughts or daily experiences in a journal.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or different scenarios to develop their creative thinking skills.
Highlight the moral and lessons from the book to reinforce values such as perseverance and resilience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist's continuous attempts to become a competent Viking despite multiple failures demonstrates resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can understand that persistence in the face of challenges is essential, whether it's riding a bike or solving a tough math problem.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter various challenges that they must solve using their wits and resources.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think creatively and use problem-solving skills in their daily interactions and academic tasks.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Characters in the story face consequences for dishonesty, showing readers the value of being truthful.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of honesty in building trust and maintaining relationships with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The book portrays characters achieving goals through collaboration, emphasizing the benefits of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of working together in group projects at school or in team sports.
Example Lesson: Accepting differences
Explanation: Characters in the story come from different backgrounds, promoting diversity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate diversity and cultivate an inclusive attitude towards classmates and neighbors who come from various cultures.