AlphaNumeric
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
There is a world populated entirely with living numbers and letters. When dyslexic teenager Stu accidentally transports himself there, his arrival triggers a prophecy that pulls the two rival communities into war. To escape, he must teach a young vowel he befriended how to count. Because letters that count become variables, and variables can use geometry to fly. In his quest to return home, Stu will have to navigate the dangerous and angular System of Numbers, ruled by the Prime Constants. He will find allies in the neighbouring Land of Letters, governed by the Council of Vowels. As he explores the many sides of this intimidating, mysterious and fascinating world, Stu will finally be forced to face his crushing fear of flying in order to escape. But more than anything, Stu will fight desperately to save Yana, the one vowel who helped him, who trusted him and who is now blaming him for the chaos of alphanumerical war that Stu’s arrival has brought into her life. But as the battle begins, Stu may already be too late.
Age
10-17
Length
347 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the adventure in 'AlphaNumeric', and why?
How do you think the numbers helped solve the problems they encountered?
Can you think of a time when you used your own skills to solve a problem, just like the characters did?
Why do you think the author chose a penguin and a kangaroo for the main characters?
If you could add another character to the story, what kind of character would it be and what special talent would they have?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences. It personalizes the reading, making it more memorable and engaging.
Ask questions that provoke imagination and critical thinking. This not only deepens comprehension but also enhances creativity.
While discussing the book, use expressive body language and voice modulation to make the storytelling compelling and lively.
Take turns summarizing parts of the book to reinforce understanding and ensure active participation.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book or create a new character, fostering a deeper connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Learning the Alphabet and Numbers
Explanation: Through a captivating narrative and interactive elements, 'AlphaNumeric' introduces young readers to the basics of the alphabet and numbers, weaving them into the adventures of its characters.
Real-World Application: Children can recognize letters and numbers in their surroundings, fostering early literacy and numeracy skills crucial for academic success.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The characters in the book work together to solve challenges, demonstrating the importance and effectiveness of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to cooperate with peers during group activities in school or play, enhancing their social interactions and collective problem-solving abilities.
Example Lesson: Importance of Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The story encourages exploring new ideas and learning through discovery, as the characters embark on quests filled with puzzles and mysteries.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and explore diverse interests in their daily life, promoting a love for learning and intellectual growth.
Example Lesson: Valuing Diversity
Explanation: Characters in 'AlphaNumeric' come from various backgrounds, teaching children to appreciate and celebrate diversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to respect and embrace differences among people in their community, fostering inclusivity and empathy.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout their journey, characters face obstacles that they overcome by staying determined and thinking creatively.
Real-World Application: Equips children with the resilience to navigate challenges and the skills to think critically in real-world problems, both academically and personally.