Tales of a Seventh-Grade Lizard Boy
#1 of 2 in Lizard Boy Series
on Goodreads (317)
What’s inside...
Drawing on the experiences of his Vietnamese American family and his love of ’80s sci-fi shows, Jonathan Hill crafts a funny, insightful graphic novel about the immigrant experience and the perils of middle school. Threatened with diminishing resources, Booger Lizk’t and his family flee their lizard community deep below Earth’s crust to survive above among humans. The Lizk’t family of Elberon now passes as the Tomkins family of Eagle Valley. “Tommy Tomkins” wears a human face to school but can’t seem to fit in no matter how he looks. The basketball team becomes a pipe dream when bullies label him a bug eater, and only Dung Tran, an immigrant from Vietnam and fellow outsider, sees Tommy for who he is inside, which is nothing like the outer-space lizard invaders on TV’s hottest series. Can their friendship survive the truth? In his first solo middle-grade book, award-winning creator Jonathan Hill perfectly captures the sometimes dystopian drama of middle school while reminding readers of the universal need for belonging.
Discussion points
How do you think Craig, the Lizard Boy, feels about being different from his classmates? Can you relate to his feelings in any way?
What are some of the ways Craig handles challenges at school and at home? Do you think these strategies are effective?
How do the friendships in the book change over time? What do you think makes a good friend?
What lesson do you think the author is trying to convey through Craig's adventures?
If you were in Craig's world, what would you do differently? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Craig’s unique situations, enhancing emotional understanding.
Discuss the consequences of actions taken by characters in the book to cultivate problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
Highlight the importance of diversity and acceptance, drawing parallels to real-life scenarios in school or the community.
Promote creativity by asking your child to imagine alternative endings or plot twists to the story.
Reinforce the reading experience by correlating the book’s themes with your child’s daily experiences to make it more relatable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: The protagonist, as a lizard boy, stands out in his seventh-grade class but learns to embrace his unique traits.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by appreciating their own differences and those of others, promoting self-confidence and inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: Despite being different, the lizard boy overcomes obstacles, showing perseverance and resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to face their own challenges head-on and not be discouraged by setbacks, fostering a growth mindset.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, the lizard boy makes genuine friendships that help him navigate his school life.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and nurture friendships, understanding the role of support and camaraderie in their lives.