Homerooms and Hall Passes: Heroes Level Up
#2 in Homerooms & Hall Passes Series
on Goodreads (530)
What’s inside...
“You can’t help falling in love with this hilarious upside-down take on Dungeons & Dragons. I read; I cheered; I laughed out loud.”—Gordon Korman In the mystical realm of Bríandalör, every day the brave and the bold delve into hidden temples or forgotten dungeons, battling vile monsters and evil wizards to loot their treasure hoards for sweet, sweet magic items. But in their free time, our heroes—Thromdurr the mighty barbarian, Devis the shifty thief, Vela the noble paladin, Sorrowshade the Gloom Elf assassin, and Albiorix the (good!) wizard—need to relax and unwind. That’s why they meet up once a week to play Homerooms & Hall a role-playing game where they assume the characters of average American eighth graders. But when the five young adventurers are magically transported into their H&H game by an ancient curse, they must band together to survive their toughest challenge middle school. Who knew that battling ogres would be easier than passing algebra or navigating the cafeteria social scene? They must use what they’ve learned from playing Homerooms & Hall Passes to figure out how to save their game world (which might actually be real...). Dungeons & Dragons meets Jumanji in this new, laugh-out-loud adventure series from the author of the beloved Hamstersaurus Rex series.
Why read this book
- Adventure meets fantasy in a school-based setting.
- Characters exemplify teamwork and friendship values.
- Encourages creative problem solving through engaging story arcs.
- Enhances literacy with age-appropriate language and themes.
Discussion points
How do the characters in the book use their unique skills to solve problems? Can you think of a time you used a special skill to solve a problem?
The characters go on an adventure in a fantasy world. If you could go on an adventure, where would you go and what would you do?
Friendship is a big theme in this book. What do you think makes a good friend? Do you see any qualities in the characters that you look for in your own friends?
How does teamwork play a role in the characters' success in the game? Why is teamwork important in real life?
What did you learn from the challenges the characters faced? How would you handle similar challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, be enthusiastic and curious. This sets a positive tone and encourages your child to share their thoughts freely.
Relate the book's themes to your child's everyday experiences. For example, connect the problem-solving in the book to obstacles they face at school or home.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to delve deeper into their thoughts and feelings about the story and its characters.
Encourage your child to imagine beyond the book. Asking questions about what they would do differently enhances critical thinking and creativity.
Praise your child’s responses to reinforce their engagement and confidence in expressing their ideas and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Homerooms and Hall Passes: Heroes Level Up,' the young heroes need to work together to overcome various obstacles and challenges. The characters leverage their individual strengths and learn to appreciate the power of collective effort.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group projects or team sports, learning to collaborate effectively, and understanding the importance of every team member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The protagonists encounter numerous problems that require creative and strategic thinking. Through their adventures, they demonstrate how to think critically and solve problems innovatively.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to approach challenges in their lives with a problem-solving mindset, whether it's resolving conflicts with peers or tackling difficult school assignments.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and Resilience
Explanation: As the characters in 'Homerooms and Hall Passes: Heroes Level Up' shift between their fantasy roles and the challenges of middle school life, they learn to adapt to changing circumstances and bounce back from setbacks.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more adaptable and resilient in the face of change, such as transitioning to a new school or dealing with unexpected situations at home.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, friendships play a crucial role in the characters' journey, providing support and companionship. The story highlights how true friends stick together through thick and thin.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of building and maintaining friendships. It teaches them the importance of being a supportive and loyal friend in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Understanding Different Perspectives
Explanation: The characters in the book often face scenarios where they must consider and understand viewpoints different from their own. This aspect of the story fosters empathy and broadens their horizons.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and practice empathy, enhancing their ability to interact harmoniously with others from different backgrounds and beliefs.