Nova Command (Star Trek the Next Generation: Starfleet Academy, No. 9)
#9 in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Series
on Goodreads (106)
What’s inside...
This is the latest book in the successful The Next Generation Young Adult series. The author has written many Star Trek books for the young adult market, including The Star Ghost and Stowaways. The story follows Cadet Jean-Luc Picard in his first year at the Academy, where he struggles with self-doubt and competition with fellow cadet Roger Wells. When Jean-Luc and his friend Marta are chosen for a special training mission with the Nova Command team, they face real challenges in space. Tensions rise between Jean-Luc and Roger, and the mission takes a dangerous turn when they receive a distress call and must decide whether to obey orders or attempt a rescue.
Character compass
Worf
Mark Roper
Tania Tobias
Soleta
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make a good leader, as shown by the characters in 'Nova Command'?
How do the cadets in the story work together to solve problems? Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to achieve a goal?
What challenges do the characters face and how do they overcome them? How would you handle similar situations?
How does the setting of space influence the story? What would be different if the story took place on Earth?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the qualities of leadership and teamwork, as these are central themes in 'Nova Command'. Discuss how these themes relate to their own experiences in school or with friends. Share your own stories of overcoming challenges and listen actively to your child's thoughts and opinions to foster a deeper understanding and connection.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Nova Command', the cadets must work together to successfully complete their missions. The story emphasizes the importance of each team member’s contributions and the strength of working as a unit.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to value everyone’s input and working cooperatively towards a common goal.
Example Lesson: Leadership and Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist, Cadet Deanna Troi, takes on a leadership role within her team. The book showcases her journey of growing into a responsible leader who makes decisions with the welfare of her team in mind.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to take on more responsibility at home or in school projects, understanding the impact of their decisions on others and leading by example.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The cadets face various challenges that require critical thinking and innovation to solve. This aspect of the book highlights the importance of analytical thinking and creativity in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can use these skills to tackle everyday problems or academic challenges, enhancing their ability to think critically and find effective solutions.
Example Lesson: Ethical Decision Making
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters encounter moral dilemmas where they must choose between difficult options. These scenarios help illustrate the complexity of ethical decision-making.
Real-World Application: This lesson is particularly valuable in helping children understand the nuances of right and wrong, encouraging them to consider the consequences of their actions on themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptability
Explanation: The cadets frequently adapt to new situations and recover from setbacks. 'Nova Command' teaches that resilience is key to success and that setbacks can be learning opportunities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace change positively and bounce back from disappointments, using them as stepping stones to grow stronger and more adaptable.