The Human Kaboom
on Goodreads (71)
What’s inside...
Adam Rubin, the author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers Dragons Love Tacos and The Ice Cream Machine, presents a new collection of six unique stories that share the same title but take readers on different thrilling adventures. From a mysterious guest in a swanky New York City hotel to a space museum heist, an island survival, a cursed fishing town, a daring circus act, and a wilderness with a superpowered kid, each story is filled with danger, mystery, and explosions. Illustrated by various artists, the black-and-white artwork enhances the gripping tales that are bound to captivate and entertain.
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when they faced a challenge?
How would you solve a problem similar to one in the book?
What was your favorite part of the story, and why?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our town?
Can you think of a time when you felt like the main character?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading experience fun and immersive.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book. This helps them connect visually and emotionally with the story.
Pause at critical moments in the story to predict what might happen next, engaging your child’s analytical thinking.
Relate the book's scenarios to your child's experiences to foster deeper personal connections with the themes.
Encourage your child to ask questions about the story and characters. This promotes curiosity and deeper understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: Through the colorful array of characters, the book showcases the beauty of different cultures and personalities co-existing.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect people from various backgrounds in their schools and communities.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the story need to collaborate to solve a puzzle, highlighting how teamwork can lead to achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this in group activities or school projects, understanding that combining efforts often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Value of Creativity
Explanation: The protagonist uses imaginative solutions to navigate challenges, demonstrating that creativity is a valuable skill.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think creatively in their problem-solving, whether in academic tasks or social interactions.
Example Lesson: Handling Failure Positively
Explanation: When characters initially fail, they learn from their mistakes rather than giving up, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to face setbacks in school or personal endeavors with a constructive attitude.
Example Lesson: Joy of Exploring
Explanation: The narrative encourages adventure and discovery, showing how exploring can lead to wonderful experiences and learnings.
Real-World Application: Instills a sense of curiosity and exploration in children, which can be applied during educational trips, nature walks, or even reading new books.