The Monster Missions
on Goodreads (354)
What’s inside...
In a world submerged underwater, Berkeley and her best friend, Garth, live on an old cruise ship and scavenge for supplies from drowned cities. Their lives take an unexpected turn when they awaken a Hydra and are sent to live on a submarine to study and hunt sea monsters. As the Hydra seeks revenge on their home ship, Berkeley, Garth, and their crew must find a way to save their families and their ship from being destroyed, while also facing other deadly threats in the ocean's depths.
Age
8-12
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivates the characters to take on their monster missions? How would you feel in their place?
How do the characters adapt to unexpected changes during their adventures? Can you think of a time when you had to adapt?
What role do teamwork and friendship play in the story? Why do you think these are important?
If you could create your own monster, what abilities would it have and why?
What did you learn about the importance of protecting our environment from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to share personal insights by relating the book’s themes to their own experiences.
Highlight the significance of teamwork shown in the book and discuss its importance in family and school life.
Discuss the environmental themes in the book and explore ways you and your child can contribute to environmental conservation.
Use the creative elements of the story, like monster creation, to engage your child’s imagination and creative thinking.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next after the book ends, encouraging them to think ahead and use their reasoning skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Monster Missions', the protagonists work together to overcome various challenges presented by the sea monsters they encounter. Their success hinges on their ability to collaborate and use each individual's strengths.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, an essential skill in school projects and everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: The characters in the book frequently confront dangerous situations and unknown creatures, demonstrating bravery and determination.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears and understand that courage isn't the absence of fear, but the decision to act despite it; whether it's trying out for a school play, standing up to a bully, or tackling a difficult subject.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite setbacks and failures, the young adventurers persist in their mission, adapting to new challenges and learning from their mistakes.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance and resilience in overcoming difficulties, be it in academics, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The characters' journey is driven by a desire to learn more about the mysterious monsters and their environment, showcasing their innate curiosity and zeal for knowledge.
Real-World Application: It promotes a love of learning and exploration, encouraging children to ask questions and seek out answers about the world around them.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: The book highlights the impact of pollution and human activities on sea creatures and their habitats, fostering a sense of environmental stewardship.
Real-World Application: Children learn about the importance of taking care of the environment and the role they can play in conserving natural habitats for future generations.