Zack Files 06: I'm out of My Body...Please Leave a Message (The Zack Files)
#6 of 24 in The Zack Files Series
on Goodreads (187)
What’s inside...
When Zack's friend Spencer brings a 60's-style hippie book on astral travel to a sleepover, Zack quickly learns the ins and outs of out-of-body travel. The boys find it surprisingly easy to leave their physical bodies, but they face a challenging dilemma when they struggle to figure out how to return to their bodies.
Discussion points
How do you think Zack felt when he found himself outside of his body? How would you feel in a similar situation?
What are some ways Zack tries to solve his problem? What would you have done differently?
Zack encounters several challenges in the story. Which obstacle did you find most interesting and why?
How do the other characters in the book react to Zack's out-of-body experience? What do their reactions tell you about them?
If you could have an out-of-body experience, what would you do and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book to open up a two-way conversation. Ask open-ended questions that encourage your child to think deeply about the characters and plot. Empathize with the characters together, discussing how they might be feeling in various situations to enhance emotional understanding. Use specific examples from the text to anchor your discussion, helping your child connect their thoughts to the story. Finally, encourage your child to imagine beyond the book, thinking about how they might use the story’s lessons in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Zack's experiences of switching bodies helps children understand perspectives different from their own, promoting empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to put themselves in others' shoes, improving how they relate with friends and classmates.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Zack faces challenges that require creative thinking and resilience to resolve, highlighting the importance of problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think critically and creatively when faced with conflicts or challenges in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The story teaches about taking responsibility for one's actions and their consequences, as Zack learns from his body-swapping adventure.
Real-World Application: This instills a sense of accountability in children, helping them understand the impact of their choices and actions on others.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Zack's ability to adapt to different bodies and situations teaches children the value of being flexible and open to change.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be more adaptable in new environments or when facing unexpected situations, be it at school or in social settings.