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The Secret School Invasion

4.52
on Goodreads (99)

What’s inside...

Hilarious, pitch-perfect stories where everyday school life becomes completely extraordinary! By a brilliant author/illustrator team with laughs on every page! Izzy's school is being merged with St Bartholomew's Primary, their greatest rivals! What will happen when the new kids join, in...

Why read this book

  • Captivating adventure stimulates imagination and creativity.
  • Encourages teamwork, resilience, and resourcefulness.
  • Enhances reading skills and vocabulary development.
Age

7-10

Text complexity

Character compass

Izzy
Maisie
Zach
Jodi

Discussion points

What would you do if you discovered your school was being invaded by aliens?
How did Izzy and her friends work together to solve the mystery? What does this teach us about teamwork?
What was the funniest part of the story for you, and why did it make you laugh?
Do you think the way the characters felt during the invasion was realistic? How would you feel in their situation?
If you could add another character to the story, who would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think creatively and critically by asking them to come up with alternative endings or plot twists. Discuss the importance of friendship and cooperation as shown in the book. Use humor from the story to keep the conversation light and enjoyable. Relate the characters' experiences to your child’s daily life to enhance personal connections with the story.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Secret School Invasion', the characters collaborate to solve the mystery of the bizarre occurrences at their school. They learn to work together, pooling their unique skills to find solutions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working cooperatively in group activities or team sports, understanding that combined efforts often lead to success.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The young protagonists face their fears when confronted with unknown situations at their school. Despite feeling scared, they courageously seek out answers and stand up to the challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to face their fears and challenges in real life, whether it's speaking in front of the class, standing up to a bully, or trying out new activities.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Inquisitiveness
Explanation: The characters show a natural curiosity about the strange events occurring, which drives them to investigate further. Their inquisitiveness leads to important discoveries and solutions.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to ask questions and explore their own environment, which can lead to learning and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout 'The Secret School Invasion', the characters encounter various problems that need solving. They brainstorm and try different approaches to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of thinking critically and creatively to solve problems, which children can apply at school or in other areas of life.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As the students delve into the mystery, they learn more about the perspectives and backgrounds of other characters, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate diverse perspectives and treat their peers with kindness and respect in their day-to-day interactions.

The Secret School Invasion by Pamela Butchart