The Odds
#1 of 1 in The Odds Series
on Goodreads (242)
What’s inside...
From the bestselling author of the Funny Kid series, Matt Stanton, comes The Odds, a hilarious and heartwarming graphic novel series about identity, imagination, and the joy of discovering who you really are. Kip is a quiet kid in a loud city, who likes to stay unnoticed, but her life takes a dramatic turn when ten of her favorite characters from comics, books, TV shows, video games, and even her nightmares come to life. This graphic novel by Matt Stanton explores friendships, fears of growing up, and the adventures of finding one's true identity with humor and touching moments.
Character compass
Kip
Dad
Discussion points
What do you think makes each character in 'The Odds' unique? How do these differences add to their adventures?
If you could have any odd superpower like the characters, what would it be and why?
Which part of the story made you laugh the most, and what does that tell us about enjoying our own quirks?
How do the characters in the book help each other overcome challenges? Can you think of a time when you helped a friend or a friend helped you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own uniqueness by drawing parallels between themselves and the characters. Pose questions that connect the story to the child's own experiences, fostering deeper understanding and empathy. Use humor from the story as a way to make discussions more enjoyable and relatable. Highlight teamwork and friendship themes by discussing real-life applications.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: In 'The Odds', the characters, who are odd creatures, each have unique traits that set them apart. The story celebrates these differences, showing how they contribute to solving problems and having fun adventures together.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own unique qualities and those of others around them, fostering a positive self-image and encouraging inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the Odds face various challenges that require teamwork and creative thinking to overcome. This encourages readers to think outside the box.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these problem-solving skills in school projects or during play, learning to collaborate and find innovative solutions to obstacles they encounter.
Example Lesson: The Power of Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights the strength and support friends can give each other. Despite their differences, the Odds work together and support one another, embodying true friendship.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of building strong, supportive relationships and can help them in nurturing their friendships in real life.
Example Lesson: Handling Change
Explanation: The characters in 'The Odds' frequently encounter changes that they must adapt to. This theme helps children understand that change is a part of life and can often lead to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace changes in their environment, such as moving to a new school or welcoming a new family member, seeing them as opportunities for growth and new experiences.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: As the Odds face various setbacks, they demonstrate resilience by bouncing back and not giving up. This underscores the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist through their own challenges, whether they are learning a new skill or dealing with personal setbacks, fostering a resilient mindset.