Tesla's Attic (The Accelerati Trilogy Book 1)
#1 of 3 in The Accelerati Trilogy Series
on Goodreads (3,499)
What’s inside...
After their home burns down, fourteen-year-old Nick, his younger brother, and their father move into a ramshackle Victorian house they've inherited. When Nick opens the door to his attic room, he's hit in the head by a toaster. That's just the beginning of his weird experiences with the old junk stored up there. After getting rid of the odd antiques in a garage sale, Nick befriends some local kids--Mitch, Caitlin, and Vincent--and they discover that all of the objects have extraordinary properties. What's more, Nick figures out that the attic is a strange magnetic vortex, which attracts all sorts of trouble. It's as if the attic itself has an intelligence . . . and a purpose. Ultimately Nick learns that the genius Nikola Tesla placed the items-his last inventions-in the attic as part of a larger plan that he mathematically predicted. Nick and his new friends must retrieve everything that was sold at the garage sale and keep it safe. But the task is fraught with peril-in addition to the dangers inherent in Tesla's mysterious and powerful creations, a secret society of physicists, the Accelerati, is determined to stop Nick and alter destiny to achieve its own devious ends. It's a lot for a guy to handle, especially when he'd much rather fly under the radar as the new kid in town.
Character compass
Nick Slate
Caitlin
Vince
Mitch
Dr. Alan Jorgenson
Discussion points
What do you think about Nick's decision to keep the attic's contents instead of throwing them away? How would you have handled it?
How do the objects in the attic affect the lives of the characters? Can you think of any objects in your own life that have unexpected importance?
The theme of responsibility is central in Tesla’s Attic. What do you think the story says about the responsibilities that come with power or knowledge?
How do the relationships between characters change throughout the story? What do you think drives those changes?
If you discovered an item that had special powers, what would you do with it? Why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on the main character, Nick, and his actions. Ask if they see any similarities or differences with themselves, fostering personal connections with the story.
Discuss the historical and scientific elements introduced through the mysterious antiques. This can be a gateway to explore interests in science or history together.
Let the conversation about the book's theme of responsibility lead to talking about responsibilities your child might feel in their own life. It’s a great way for them to reflect and share.
Probe their critical thinking by discussing the consequences of the characters' decisions in the book. Ask what they might have done differently and why.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to imagine a sequel or a different ending. This encourages creativity and deeper engagement with the story’s themes and characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'Tesla's Attic', the protagonist, Nick, discovers that cooperation and teamwork are essential as he and his new friends navigate various challenges posed by the mysterious objects found in his attic.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate effectively with others, as working together can lead to solving problems more efficiently in school projects or during team sports.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one's actions
Explanation: Nick learns to take responsibility for the consequences of his actions, especially after realizing the potential danger the gadgets could create. This helps him mature and take responsibility seriously.
Real-World Application: This underscores the importance of children being mindful of their actions and understanding that their decisions can affect others around them, nurturing a sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge
Explanation: The story encourages a deep sense of wonder and curiosity about science and innovation. Nick's exploration into the history and potential of the objects in his attic demonstrates the joy of learning new things.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to ask questions and seek answers can enhance their academic skills and instill a lifelong love for learning and discovery.
Example Lesson: Coping with change and uncertainty
Explanation: As Nick adjusts to a new town and uncovers the mysterious legacy of Nikola Tesla, he learns to navigate changes and face uncertainties, which reflects his personal growth.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that changes are part of life and learning to adapt is a crucial skill, helping them face new environments or situations with resilience.
Example Lesson: Innovation and creativity
Explanation: The gadgets in Nick's attic inspire him and his friends to think creatively to solve problems. This highlights the importance of innovation in the narrative.
Real-World Application: Fostering creativity in children can inspire them to think outside the box and approach tasks and challenges in innovative ways, which is valuable in their schooling and future careers.