Alias
Golem Series
What’s inside...
Fifteen-year-old Toby has spent his entire life traveling from place to place with his mother as she constantly changes her identity. He discovers that she is a political fugitive from justice, constantly on the move to evade capture. While researching a school report on the Vietnam War, Toby Chase discovers that his mother is a wanted fugitive, a fact that explains why they move to a new city and change their names every few months.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-15
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about the main character's choices throughout the story?
How do you think the character felt when they faced challenges?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character’s situation?
How did the friendships in the book change or grow over time?
What's one lesson you learned from the story that you can apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story freely. Use the book’s scenarios to relate to personal experiences or dilemmas they might face. Highlight the moral lessons subtly and discuss the importance of values such as courage, friendship, and integrity. Lastly, prompt them to imagine alternative endings or continue the story, enhancing their creative thinking and engagement with the book's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'Alias', the protagonist learns that telling the truth, even when it's difficult, leads to trust and respect from others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being honest in their interactions with friends and family, helping to build strong and trustworthy relationships.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the main character faces numerous challenges but learns that persistence and resilience lead to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying and not give up when facing their own challenges, whether in school or during extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: The story illustrates how understanding and sharing the feelings of another character can lead to deeper connections and friendships.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider the perspectives and feelings of others, fostering empathy and improving their social interactions.
Example Lesson: The consequences of one's actions
Explanation: Characters in 'Alias' face consequences for their actions, teaching readers about accountability.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that their actions have effects on themselves and others, emphasizing the need for thoughtful decision-making.
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: The protagonist shows bravery in difficult situations, teaching readers to face fears and stand up for what's right.
Real-World Application: Children can draw on this lesson when they need to confront fears or stand up for themselves or others in their everyday lives.