Addison Addley and the Things That Aren't There (Orca Young Readers)
Orca Young Readers Series
on Goodreads (32)
What’s inside...
Addison Addley hates math and public speaking, and he struggles with anything that involves work. With only a couple of weeks left, he needs to write and memorize his grade five speech but can't think of a topic. Eventually, he comes up with a great idea that almost writes itself. However, it's his poor math skills that end up making the speech day truly unforgettable.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Addison Addley
Sam
Addison'S Mother
Discussion points
Why do you think Addison struggles to finish projects, and how does he manage to overcome this challenge?
What role do Addison’s friends and family play in helping him solve the mystery?
How do you feel when you face something confusing, and what strategies do you use to deal with it?
What did you learn about handling situations that seem scary or impossible at first?
Can you think of a time when you noticed something others didn't? How did you handle it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences to Addison’s adventures, fostering a deeper connection to the story. Ask open-ended questions to promote critical thinking and empathy. Use expressive read-aloud techniques to bring the characters to life and keep your child engaged. Discuss the importance of perseverance and creativity in problem-solving, tying back to Addison’s experiences. Create a supportive atmosphere that celebrates curiosity and imagination, mirroring the inclusive nature of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of imagination
Explanation: Addison Addley's creative and imaginative adventures are central to the plot, showing how thinking differently can solve problems.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use their imagination as a tool for creative problem-solving and innovative thinking in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: The importance of persistence
Explanation: Throughout the story, Addison faces challenges but consistently tries new approaches to overcome them, demonstrating the importance of not giving up easily.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence and determination in achieving goals, whether it's completing a school project or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Overcoming fears
Explanation: Addison confronts and overcomes his fears of things that aren't there, teaching readers to face their own fears.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of facing and overcoming their fears, promoting courage and personal growth in their daily activities.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: The interactions and support between Addison and his friends highlight the significance of having supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to develop and maintain friendships, teaching them about empathy, cooperation, and the emotional support friends can provide.