Things Not Seen
Things Series
What’s inside...
In the sleepy town of Holsom, something mysterious has been awakened. The townspeople always thought Horatio Holsom was eccentric, but they never knew his secret until four kids stumbled upon his hidden underground laboratory, which houses a 12-foot tall guardian robot.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-12
Length
15 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Bobby felt when he discovered he was invisible, and how would you feel in his situation?
What are some ways Bobby tries to solve his problem, and what would you have done differently?
How do the characters in the story show trust and support for one another? Can you share an example from your own life?
What did you learn about the importance of being seen and heard from this story?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in today's world with modern technology?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in Bobby's shoes and discuss their feelings and reactions.
Utilize pauses after reading key scenes to allow your child to process the events and express their thoughts.
Relate the story's themes of invisibility and recognition to your child’s everyday experiences at school or with friends.
Highlight the problem-solving aspect of the story, asking your child how they approach challenges and obstacles in their life.
Discuss the growth of characters throughout the book to illustrate the concept of personal development and change.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Things Not Seen', characters learn to understand and feel the emotions of others who are different from themselves, promoting empathy through their actions and decisions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing the importance of listening to and understanding their peers, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces challenges that seem insurmountable, but through perseverance and determination, he overcomes these obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to persist in the face of difficulties, whether it be in academics, sports, or personal goals, emphasizing that perseverance often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Importance of problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to navigate complex situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of analytical thinking and applying logical solutions to problems they may encounter in school or at home.
Example Lesson: Building trust in relationships
Explanation: Characters in the story learn to build and maintain trust through honest communication and mutual respect.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of honesty and integrity in friendships and family relationships, helping them understand how trust forms the foundation of strong connections.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of change
Explanation: The book explores how characters adapt to unexpected changes in their lives, highlighting the importance of flexibility and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to embrace change positively, enhancing their ability to grow and thrive in new situations.