The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook
on Goodreads (3,118)
What’s inside...
Super-smart Julian Calendar thinks starting junior high at a new school will mean he can shed his nerdy image, but then he meets Ben and Greta, two secret scientists like himself. The three form a secret club, complete with a high-tech lair, where they work on projects like the Stink-O-Meter, the Kablovsky Copter, and the Nightsneak Goggles. Their tinkering proves useful when they discover an evil scientist's plan to rob a museum. Armed with their wacky inventions, the trio sets out to thwart the criminal mastermind.
Age
6-10
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Julian Calendar
Ben Garza
Greta Hughes
Dr. Stringer
Discussion points
What did you think about the inventions created by the Secret Science Alliance? Which invention would you like to create or have?
How do the characters in the book use teamwork to overcome challenges? Can you think of a time when you worked with others to solve a problem?
What qualities do you admire in the characters? How do these qualities help them in their adventures?
The story shows us that using your intellect and creativity can be exciting. How does this inspire you in your everyday life or in school?
How would you have dealt with the Copycat Crook if you were part of the Secret Science Alliance?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to consider the creative aspects of science and teamwork highlighted in the book. Ask them to think about how they can incorporate these elements into their own lives.
Promote empathy by discussing the characters' emotions and decisions. This can help your child understand the importance of different perspectives and moral values.
Highlight the importance of persistence and creativity. Illustrate these points by asking your child to think about how they would handle similar challenges or tasks.
Use the engaging plot and characters to encourage a deeper interest in science and literature, by connecting the story to real-world scientific applications or similar books.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The characters in 'The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook' work together to solve problems and overcome challenges, demonstrating the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning how to cooperate and value each team member's unique contributions.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: The young protagonists use their inventive skills to create gadgets and contraptions, showcasing creativity and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to engage in creative projects and thinking outside the box, whether it’s during playtime, school projects, or in daily problem-solving situations.
Example Lesson: Integrity and Honesty
Explanation: When faced with moral dilemmas, the characters choose to act with honesty, even when it's difficult, highlighting the importance of integrity.
Real-World Application: This lesson reinforces the importance of being truthful and making ethical decisions in real life, such as admitting mistakes or being honest in exams and personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite setbacks, the characters persist in their goals, illustrating the value of determination and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn that sticking with tasks, even when they are challenging, can lead to success. This can be related to completing homework, improving in sports, or mastering new skills.
Example Lesson: Respect for Intellectual Property
Explanation: The story addresses the issue of a villain who steals inventions, teaching respect for others’ ideas and creations.
Real-World Application: This lesson may help children understand the importance of acknowledging and giving credit to others' work and ideas, such as during school projects or artistic endeavors.