The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel
#1 of 3 in Mars Patel Series
on Goodreads (413)
What’s inside...
Based on the Peabody Award-winning podcast, this tech-filled adventure series pits intrepid Mars Patel and his outcast friends against a brilliant, enigmatic billionaire as they race to figure out why kids are disappearing from their school. Mars Patel's friend Aurora has disappeared! His teachers are clueless. His mom is stressed out about her jobs. But Mars refuses to give up-after all, his own dad disappeared when Mars was a toddler, before he and Ma moved to Puget Sound from India. Luckily, Mars has a group of loyal friends eager to help-smart Toothpick, strong and stylish JP, and maybe-telepathic Caddie. The clues seem to point toward eccentric tech genius (and Mars's hero) Oliver Pruitt, whose popular podcast now seems to be commenting on their quest! But when the friends investigate Pruitt's mysterious, elite school, nothing is as it seems-and anyone could be deceiving them. Slick science, corporate conspiracies, and an endearingly nerdy protagonist make this first book in the series a fresh, exciting sci-fi adventure.
Character compass
Mars Patel
Caddie Patchet
Jonas Hopkins
Jp Mcgowan
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Mars Patel and his friends to go on their adventure?
How do the characters deal with the challenges they face? What can we learn from their responses?
Why is trust important in friendships, as shown in the book?
If you were a character in the book, what would you have done differently?
What are your thoughts on the mystery element of the story? How does it make you feel about the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own life experiences to deepen their understanding of the characters' motivations and feelings.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and trust with your child, highlighted through the characters’ adventures, to enhance their social skills.
Use open-ended questions to foster critical thinking and a deeper engagement with the plot and themes of the book.
After reading the book, ask your child to predict what might happen next if the story were to continue. This encourages creativity and imaginative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel,' the characters must collaborate and rely on each other to solve the mystery of their missing friends.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to work cooperatively in group settings like at school or in sports, understanding that collective effort often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: Mars Patel and his friends face numerous uncertainties and dangers but demonstrate bravery as they tackle these challenges.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face new or intimidating situations with confidence, whether it’s trying out a new activity or standing up for what’s right.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: The characters frequently encounter setbacks in their quest, yet their persistence never wavers, teaching that determination can lead to overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this to their own lives by not giving up easily, be it in completing homework, learning a new skill, or resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and problem-solving
Explanation: The mystery at the heart of the story encourages Mars and his peers to think critically and deduce solutions to the problems they face.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use reasoning and logic in everyday problem solving, enhancing their decision-making skills and cognitive abilities.