Also Known As
#1 of 2 in Also Known As Series
on Goodreads (13,383)
What’s inside...
Maggie Silver, a 16-year-old safecracker and daughter of international spies, has always enjoyed her adventurous life of cracking safes and traveling the world with her parents. However, when she is sent to New York City for her first solo assignment, she finds herself navigating the challenges of attending a private school filled with 'mean girl' wannabes, resisting the urge to hack the school's security system, and befriending the son of a potential national security threat, all while trying to maintain her cover.
Character compass
Maggie Silver
Jesse Oliver
Roux
Abe Silver
Catherine Silver
Angelo
Armand Oliver
Discussion points
How do you think Maggie feels about being a spy and having a secret identity? Can you relate to her need to keep secrets?
What are the different ways that Maggie's relationships with her family and friends influence her decisions and actions throughout the story?
If you had to choose, would you prefer a normal life like Roux's or an adventurous life like Maggie's? Why?
How do you think trust plays a role in the relationships depicted in the book? Are there any moments where trust is broken and rebuilt?
What did you learn about the importance of teamwork and relying on others from Maggie’s experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, be open and non-judgmental about your child's opinions and feelings. This encourages honest and thoughtful responses.
Relate the themes of the book, such as identity and relationships, to your child’s everyday experiences to make the conversation more relatable and meaningful.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them to consider what they might do differently if they were in the protagonist’s shoes.
Foster empathy by discussing the emotions and motivations of different characters, especially those who might seem like antagonists.
Let your child lead parts of the conversation; this can provide insight into what they find most compelling or intriguing about the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of identity and self-discovery
Explanation: The protagonist, Maggie, embarks on a journey that teaches her about her own strengths and capabilities beyond the life she was accustomed to.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace their unique qualities and explore who they are beyond the roles they assume in their family and school.
Example Lesson: Value of trust and honesty in relationships
Explanation: Maggie learns to navigate trust issues with her new friends and with her parents, realizing how honesty forms the backbone of strong, healthy relationships.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of being truthful and building trust in their friendships and family relations.
Example Lesson: Adaptability in challenging situations
Explanation: Throughout the story, Maggie must adapt to new environments and unexpected challenges, learning to remain resilient and resourceful.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to remain flexible and resilient when faced with new challenges in school or social settings.
Example Lesson: Understanding and respecting diversity
Explanation: As Maggie interacts with a cast of diverse characters, she learns to understand and appreciate different perspectives and backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by embracing diversity and learning from others' experiences and viewpoints in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The role of empathy and compassion
Explanation: Maggie shows empathy towards the difficulties faced by others around her, including her parents and friends, which helps her build stronger relationships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of empathy in understanding other people’s feelings and situations, fostering compassionate interactions in everyday life.