Big Nate: This Means War! (Big Nate, 30)
#30 of 31 in Big Nate Series
on Goodreads (913)
What’s inside...
Now a hit animated series on Nickelodeon and Paramount+, Big Nate delights middle grade readers with stories of mischief and misadventure in these full-colour comics featuring sixth grader Nate Wright and friends at P.S. 38. Big Nate is a legend at P.S. 38, where he and friends Francis, Teddy, Dee Dee, Chad, and others manage to make sixth grade interesting with all kinds of pranks, drama, sports, and good times. The all-time leader in detentions, Nate is never far from the spotlight, whether it's for a freak injury on the soccer field, Halloween costume fail, or stirring up a new episode in his long-running rivalry with grade-grubbing Gina or his teacher nemesis, Mrs. Godfrey. This new collection of Big Nate comics from Lincoln Peirce includes over 170 full-color comics and abundant laughs for the whole family.
Character compass
Nate Wright
Teddy Ortiz
Francis Pope
Gina Hemphill-Toms
Discussion points
What do you think Nate learned about friendship in this story?
How did Nate handle conflicts with his friends and what could he have done differently?
What role do you think humor plays in Nate's adventures?
Can you relate to any of the challenges Nate faced? How would you handle them?
Which character in the book would you like to be friends with and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s characters and their actions.
Make connections between the conflicts in the book and real-life situations your child might encounter.
Discuss the importance of resolving disputes and maintaining friendships, relating them to Nate’s experiences.
Laugh together at the humorous parts of the book to enhance enjoyment and understanding of the story’s lighter themes.
Ask your child to draw parallels between their own school experiences and Nate’s, fostering a deeper personal connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Conflict Resolution
Explanation: In 'Big Nate: This Means War!', Nate navigates through various conflicts with humor and strategy, showing the importance of resolving disagreements.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these strategies in their own interactions, learning to handle conflicts at school or with friends in a constructive manner.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Throughout the book, Nate tries to understand different perspectives during conflicts which teaches the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider other people's feelings and viewpoints in their daily life, promoting empathy and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Nate is often faced with scenarios that require him to take responsibility for his actions and their outcomes.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of accountability and encourage them to take responsibility for their actions in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The book highlights several instances where Nate works together with his friends to solve problems, underlining the significance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, which is vital in both school projects and family activities.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: Nate often uses creative solutions to navigate challenges, demonstrating the power of innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think creatively in their problem-solving endeavors, whether in academic subjects or personal projects.