See You in the Cosmos
on Goodreads (12,792)
What’s inside...
An astonishingly moving middle-grade debut about a space-obsessed boy's quest for family and home, as he embarks on a journey to launch his iPod into space. Along the way, he encounters a series of remarkable, lost people and uncovers family secrets that reveal he has more family than he ever knew. A luminous, funny, and utterly moving novel that explores themes of family, love, hope, and awe, making it a perfect read for fans of 'Wonder' and 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time'.
Age
10-12
Length
312 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Alex Petroski
Zed
Terra Petroski
Steve
Discussion points
How do you think Alex felt on his journey to launch his rocket, and why?
What does family mean to Alex, and how does his view change throughout the story?
Why are the recorded messages to space important to Alex? What would you record to send to space?
How do the different characters in the book show bravery or courage?
What did you learn about trust and friendships from Alex’s adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the importance of resilience by discussing Alex's persistence in reaching his goals despite challenges.
Encourage your child to compare and contrast their feelings with Alex’s when facing new experiences.
Discuss the significance of communication and honesty as portrayed through Alex’s interactions with other characters.
Reflect together on the role of family and community in supporting individual dreams, illustrated by Alex’s journey.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist, Alex, demonstrates resilience while facing complex family issues and pursuing his dream to communicate with aliens.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of overcoming obstacles and not giving up on their dreams despite the challenges they encounter.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and community
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Alex learns more about his family and the significance of support from both family and found community.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to value and seek support from those around them, understanding the strength in togetherness.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge
Explanation: Alex's adventures are driven by his quest for knowledge and understanding, whether about his family or the universe.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and actively seek out answers, fostering a love for learning and exploration.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As Alex interacts with different characters, he shows empathy and grows in his understanding of others' perspectives.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop the ability to empathize with others, improving their social interactions and emotional intelligence.