The Man of Steel: Superman vs. the Doomsday Army
#3 in You Choose Stories: Superman Series
What’s inside...
The books in this series feature the world's greatest heroes, including Superman. The Man of Steel defeats aliens and super-villains alike, and rescues Lois Lane from ever-present danger. In one story, the power-hungry PARASITE is powered up again after being struck by lightning and absorbing incredible energy, and SUPERMAN steps up to stop him, despite PARASITE having potentially become too strong. In another story, thousands of aliens target Earth, and SUPERMAN battles them back into orbit. Upon opening the armor of one soldier, he discovers DOOMSDAY, and soon realizes all the soldiers are DOOMSDAY clones, posing a grave threat with infinite Doomsdays.
Discussion points
How did Superman’s actions show his bravery and commitment to helping others?
What do you think makes Superman a hero, and can anyone be a hero in their own way?
How did the characters handle challenges in the story, and what can we learn from them?
If you were in the story, what would you have done differently and why?
What are some values that Superman represents that you admire or would like to adopt in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Ask open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking about the plot and characters. Relate the themes of the book to your child's experiences to make the discussion more relatable and impactful. For example, discussing everyday 'heroes' they know or times they've faced challenges. Highlight the moral lessons in the story and discuss how they can be applied in real life. This not only improves comprehension but also enhances your child’s ability to empathize and understand complex emotions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Superman demonstrates immense courage as he battles the formidable Doomsday Army to protect civilians.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing challenges bravely, whether it's standing up against a bully or tackling a difficult task.
Example Lesson: Responsibility to help others
Explanation: The story showcases Superman's sense of duty to use his powers for the good of others, emphasizing selflessness.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to contribute positively to their community, like helping a friend in need or volunteering.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Despite the overwhelming odds, Superman persists in his fight against the Doomsday Army, showcasing his resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by not giving up easily in their studies or personal goals, illustrating the power of persistence.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Superman often collaborates with other superheroes, highlighting the value of teamwork in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to work cooperatively in group settings such as school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Making ethical choices
Explanation: Throughout the book, Superman encounters situations where he must make difficult choices, teaching readers about ethics and integrity.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the importance of making morally sound decisions, even in tricky situations.