Stuff Kids Should Know
illustrations by
on Goodreads (118)
What’s inside...
From the creators of the award-winning podcast Stuff You Should Know comes a nonfiction book for young readers, Stuff Kids Should Know. This incomplete compendium includes fascinating stories and facts on topics ranging from demolition derbies to Mr. Potato Head to the history of facial hair. Full of funny and surprising information, this book reveals the magic of knowledge and the extraordinary nature of the everyday world when you dig a little deeper.
Age
8-12
Length
201 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What is one new thing you learned from this book that you found interesting?
How can you apply what you've learned from this book in your daily life?
Can you think of someone who might benefit from reading this book? Why?
If you could add another chapter to this book, what would it be about?
What questions do you still have after reading this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that encourage your child to think critically and reflect on what they've read.
Relate topics from the book to your child's personal experiences to make the content more relevant and engaging.
Be attentive and listen actively when your child talks about the book; this shows that their thoughts and opinions are valued.
Encourage your child to draw or write about themes or lessons they found important in the book to deepen their understanding.
Discuss how the knowledge gained from the book can be shared with friends or applied in school projects.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: Through various scenarios presented in the book, children see the positive outcomes that arise when characters choose honesty over deceit.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to value truthfulness in their own interactions, understanding that honesty builds trust and stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Value of Curiosity
Explanation: Characters in the book are often rewarded for their curiosity and eagerness to learn, which encourages children to ask questions and explore new ideas.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive about the world around them, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Respect for Others
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of respecting differences, portraying characters who learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and cultures.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to embrace diversity and act respectfully towards all individuals, regardless of their background.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Characters are shown facing the consequences of their actions, teaching children that responsibility is key to integrity and self-esteem.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of accepting responsibility for their actions in daily life, promoting accountability.
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: Through teamwork, characters achieve goals that seemed impossible individually, illustrating the power of cooperation.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to work cooperatively in team settings whether at school or in play, highlighting how teamwork can lead to success.