Under the Radar
#6 of 6 in Tom Swift Young Inventor Series
on Goodreads (26)
What’s inside...
Tom and his dad are in the park testing out Tom's new invisibility suit when suddenly a van pulls up -- and kidnaps Mr. Swift! Tom is panicked -- who would want to abduct his father? A strategy meeting is held and the FBI is called. But things get tricky when it looks like the kidnapping was an inside operation. Despite the FBI's insistence that Tom stay out of the investigation, Tom and his sister, Sandy, are determined to find their father -- and whoever is responsible for taking him, whether it's TRB, their rivals at FUG, or even the FBI itself! One thing is certain -- Tom will test the limits of science to save his family.
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt when they discovered the hidden cave?
What would you do if you were in the same situation as the characters?
Why is teamwork important in accomplishing a goal, based on what you read in the book?
Can you think of a time when you had to solve a problem quietly and carefully like the characters?
What did the title 'Under the Radar' mean in the story, and how does it relate to the actions of the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of the characters, asking how they would feel or react in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and ask your child about times when they had to work with others to achieve a common goal.
Highlight examples from the book where characters needed to be stealthy and compare these to real-life situations where being quiet and careful is important.
Use the book's title to discuss the concept of staying 'under the radar' and how sometimes, being unnoticed can be beneficial to reaching an objective.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Under the Radar', characters collaborate to solve challenges, demonstrating that teamwork often leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn to work cooperatively in group settings such as school projects or sports, understanding that combined efforts can achieve more.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face various obstacles but persist until they overcome them, teaching resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties, whether in academics, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Ethics and honesty
Explanation: Characters in the story face moral dilemmas and learn the importance of being truthful and ethical in their decisions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply honesty in their daily interactions and understand that ethical behavior builds trust and respect among peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: The protagonist often engages in problem-solving scenarios that require critical thinking and analysis.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach problems thoughtfully in real life, enhancing their decision-making skills and cognitive abilities.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: As the story progresses, characters encounter new environments and situations, learning to adapt and thrive.
Real-World Application: This prepares children to embrace change positively in real-world situations like moving to a new school or adjusting to new family dynamics.