The Misadventures of Max Crumbly 1: Locker Hero
#1 of 3 in The Misadventures of Max Crumbly Series
on Goodreads (4,633)
What’s inside...
Meet Max Crumbly in this series from #1 New York Times bestselling Dork Diaries author Rachel Ren é e Russell!
Max Crumbly is about to face the scariest place he’s ever South Ridge Middle School.
There’s a lot that’s great about his new school, but there’s also one big problem—Doug, the school bully whose hobby is stuffing Max in his locker. If only Max could be like the hero in his favorite comics. Unfortunately, Max’s uncanny, almost superhuman ability to smell pizza from a block away won’t exactly save any lives or foil bad guys.
But that doesn’t mean Max won’t do his best to be the hero his school needs!
Why read this book
- Engaging plot sparks imagination and curiosity.
- Characters exemplify resilience and adaptability.
- Enhances critical thinking through problem-solving scenarios.
- Fun, relatable read that boosts literacy skills.
Character compass
Max Crumbly
Erin Madison
Tucker
Moose
Ralphie
Doug 'Thug' Thurston
Discussion points
How do you think Max felt when he was dealing with the bullies? Have you ever felt the same way?
Max uses his creativity to solve problems. Can you think of a situation where you could use your creativity to overcome a challenge?
What did you learn about friendship from Max’s interactions with his classmates?
Why do you think it's important for Max to keep trying even when things get tough?
How do the illustrations add to the story? Do they help you understand Max's feelings and adventures better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own reactions to the book. This can help your child feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences. This connection can make the discussion more relevant and engaging for them.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and explain why they liked it. This can lead to a deeper understanding of the story’s themes.
Use the illustrations in the book as a talking point. Discuss what they add to the story and how they help in understanding Max’s world.
Praise your child’s responses and contributions to the discussion to build their confidence in expressing their ideas and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Max Crumbly faces his fears when dealing with bullies and challenging situations at school. Despite feeling scared, he stands up for himself and others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their own fears and stand up against bullying or peer pressure in their schools or communities.
Example Lesson: Creativity as a problem-solving tool
Explanation: Max uses his imagination and creativity to navigate through tough situations, like escaping his locker or plotting ways to overcome the school bullies.
Real-World Application: This shows children the importance of thinking outside the box to resolve conflicts or overcome obstacles in their everyday life.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Max learns the value of making friends who support and believe in him, which helps him gain confidence.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to build supportive friendships and understand how positive relationships can provide strength and confidence.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Max demonstrates resilience by continually adapting to new challenges without giving up, even when situations seem bleak.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be resilient in their own lives, bouncing back from setbacks and persevering through difficulties.