VIP: Battle of the Bands
#2 of 6 in VIP Series
What’s inside...
Mackenzie 'Mac' Lowell is living her dream on tour with her favorite boy band, Perfect Storm. But when a rival band called Thunder and Lightning releases a song that sounds suspiciously like one written for Mac, tensions rise. As the bands embark on a joint summer tour, secrets from Perfect Storm begin to leak, supposedly from Mac’s own journal. With the help of her comic-book alter ego, Mac Attack, Mac must stop the leaks and find the culprit. The VIP series by Jen Calonita, complete with black-and-white illustrations and thrilling Mac Attack comics, offers an exciting backstage pass into the world of music and mystery.
Character compass
Mackenzie "Mac" Lowell
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make someone a good friend, like the characters in the story?
How would you handle a disagreement with a close friend, similar to the characters in the book?
What did you learn about teamwork from the characters' experiences in the band competition?
If you could join any band, what role would you choose and why?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in your school?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, such as times when they have worked in a team or resolved a conflict with a friend.
Ask your child to describe their favorite character in the book and explore the reasons behind their choice, enhancing their analytical thinking.
Discuss the concept of competition and teamwork depicted in the book, and compare it to real-life scenarios in your child’s world, like school projects or sports.
Highlight the challenges faced by the characters and ask your child how they might have dealt with similar situations, promoting problem-solving skills.
Create a fun activity by having your child imagine and talk about organizing their own band, discussing what roles their friends or family members might play.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'VIP: Battle of the Bands,' the characters must work together to prepare for a music competition, highlighting the importance of collaboration and supporting each other to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each team member's contributions.
Example Lesson: Handling Competition
Explanation: The story showcases how characters deal with competitive situations, emphasizing healthy competition and the importance of fair play.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to engage in competitions with integrity, and learn not only to strive to win but also to handle wins and losses gracefully in sports or academic contests.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter setbacks in the competition, teaching resilience and the importance of persevering towards one's goals despite challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn to not give up easily in the face of difficulties, whether in completing a tough homework assignment or resolving conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: Self-Expression through Art
Explanation: As the characters prepare for the band competition, they express themselves and their emotions through music, showing the power and importance of artistic expression.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore and express their own feelings through creative activities such as drawing, dancing, or playing a musical instrument.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diverse Talents
Explanation: The book celebrates various musical talents and styles, promoting respect and appreciation for diversity in skills and personal expressions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate differences among their peers, understanding that everyone has unique talents and strengths that contribute to the community.