Mike Stellar: Nerves of Steel
on Goodreads (124)
What’s inside...
Blast off to deep-space adventure and hijinks! In K. A. Holt's funny and action-packed novel, eleven-year-old Mike Stellar is shocked when his parents announce they are moving to Mars in eight hours. As he grapples with the major changes, he suspects his parents are involved in a sabotage plot and deals with common problems like bad cafeteria food, limited electronic use, and an old-fashioned teacher. Meanwhile, his mother's assistant seems to be spying on him, adding to the chaos. With humor and lots of action, this novel promises to make summer reading a blast.
Age
9-12
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mike Stellar
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Mike Stellar to embark on his space adventure? How would you feel in his situation?
How do the characters in the book show bravery and teamwork? Can you share an example from your own life where you had to be brave or work in a team?
If you could invent one gadget to use in space, what would it be and why?
How do you think the setting in outer space affects the story? Would it be different if it happened on Earth?
What lessons did you learn from Mike’s journey that you can apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Mike Stellar’s shoes, fostering empathy and understanding for the character’s decisions and feelings.
Highlight the aspects of teamwork and bravery depicted in the story to reinforce these values in your child’s everyday interactions.
Use the book’s futuristic and adventurous setting to spark your child’s imagination about science and space exploration, perhaps creating a small project or drawing based on the book’s themes.
Discuss the book’s resolution and encourage your child to think about how conflicts can be resolved in peaceful and constructive ways.
Ask your child about their favorite part of the book and why it stood out to them, which helps in understanding their interests and perspectives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout 'Mike Stellar: Nerves of Steel,' the protagonist, Mike Stellar, faces various challenges that he overcomes through strategic thinking and innovative problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach everyday obstacles with a calm and constructive mindset, fostering creative solutions in school projects or interpersonal challenges.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Mike shows immense bravery as he navigates unknown territories and uncertain situations in space, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can be inspired to face their own fears, whether it’s trying out for a sports team, standing up in a school presentation, or dealing with a new environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Mike builds strong relationships throughout his adventure, showing how teamwork and trust are essential in overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value their friendships, work collaboratively, and support one another in various endeavors.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the love of learning
Explanation: Mike’s quest is driven by his curiosity about the universe and a thirst for knowledge, which leads him to new discoveries.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to explore their interests deeply, ask questions, and engage actively in learning both in and outside the classroom.