Animorphs Series
The Alien
on Goodreads (7,039)
What’s inside...
The book follows the story of Ax, an Andalite who teams up with a group of humans to fight against an alien race called the Yeerks that are taking over the Earth. As he tries to adapt to human culture, Ax has to use courage and wit to navigate through the challenges he faces.
Series reading
Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
156 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the alien felt when it arrived on Earth?
What would you do if you met an alien?
How can we be kind to someone who is different from us?
What do you think is the most interesting thing about the alien's home planet?
If you could send a message to the alien, what would you say?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones while discussing to match the emotions in the story, which will help the child grasp the emotional aspect of the narrative.
Ask your child to draw their version of the alien or its home planet to encourage creative thinking.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences with meeting new people.
Encourage your child to think of questions they would ask an alien, boosting their curiosity and engagement with the story.
Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding towards those who are different from us.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: In 'The Alien', the central character, an alien, is initially met with fear and skepticism due to its different appearance and habits. However, as the story unfolds, the characters learn to accept and embrace these differences, leading to a harmonious coexistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of accepting and embracing people who may look, speak, or act differently from themselves, fostering inclusivity and diversity in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage and Curiosity
Explanation: The protagonist shows bravery and curiosity as they seek to understand the alien rather than shying away from it. Their journey represents the importance of curiosity as a means of overcoming fear.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore the unknown and ask questions about the world around them, which is essential for their growth and development.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Trust
Explanation: As the characters in the book build a relationship with the alien, they develop a deep bond based on mutual trust and respect, despite their initial fears.
Real-World Application: Illustrates to children how trust and friendship can develop in unexpected ways and teaches them the importance of being open to forming relationships with others.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters encounter various challenges in understanding the alien's needs and communication style, but through teamwork and creative thinking, they find solutions.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of collaborating with others to overcome obstacles and the value of thinking creatively to solve problems.