How to Win a Slime War
on Goodreads (359)
What’s inside...
Two kids face off in an epic battle to see who can sell the most slime, while navigating sticky situations with friends and family. Alex Manalo and his dad have just moved back to Sacramento to help out with their extended family's struggling Filipino market. While Alex likes helping in the store, his true passion is making slime! He comes up with his own recipes and plays with ingredients, colors, and different bumpy or sparkly bits, which make his slime truly special. A new friend encourages Alex to sell his creations at school, which leads to a sell-off battle with a girl who previously had a slime-opoly. Winner gets bragging rights and the right to be the only slime game in town. But Alex's dad thinks Alex should be focused more on traditional boy pastimes and less on slime. As the new soccer coach, Dad gets Alex to join the team. Even though he hates sports, Alex gives in. Alex is battling on multiple fronts--with his new friends at school, and with his dad at home. It will be a sticky race to the finish to see who oozes out on top.
Age
8-12
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Alex Manalo
Mr. Manalo
Meadow
Discussion points
What do you think Alex learned about friendship and competition throughout the story?
How did Alex's relationship with his family influence his decisions in the slime war?
What would you have done differently if you were in Alex's shoes during the competition?
How do you think working on something you're passionate about, like Alex with his slime business, can help you grow?
What does the book teach us about understanding and collaborating with others who have different ideas?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences with hobbies or competitions.
Discuss the importance of balancing competition with friendship, and ask your child how they manage similar situations.
Highlight the significance of family support as demonstrated in the book, and relate it to your family's dynamic.
Talk about the entrepreneurial spirit shown by Alex, and encourage your child to think about projects they are passionate about.
Use examples from the book to teach resilience and adaptation in the face of challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Entrepreneurial skills
Explanation: The protagonist, Alex Manalo, starts a slime business, demonstrating the basics of entrepreneurship from making a product to marketing it.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply their creativity and initiative to start simple projects or small businesses, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Alex learns to collaborate with others, including a rival, to improve his slime business, showcasing the value of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of working cooperatively in group settings such as school projects or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Alex faces various challenges in his slime business and personal life, learning to adapt and find creative solutions to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be flexible and adaptable in their thinking and actions, which is essential for problem-solving in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: The book includes elements of Filipino culture, providing a view into Alex’s heritage and promoting cultural awareness and appreciation.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore and respect their own heritage and that of others, enriching their understanding and acceptance of diverse cultures.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Alex shows resilience in the face of challenges with his slime business and in adjusting to a new school environment.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to persevere through their struggles, whether they are academic, social, or personal, building their emotional strength.