This Book Is Not Good for You
#3 in Secret Series
on Goodreads (23,080)
What’s inside...
This Book Is Not Good for You is the third book in the 'Secret' series, following protagonists Cass and Max-Ernest as they embark on an adventure to uncover the mysteries behind a box of vials known as the Symphony of Smells. Their quest leads them to a secret Mexican restaurant where they discover a recipe granting immortality. Alongside the storyline, the book entices readers with the allure of the best-tasting chocolate in the world, promising a sensory experience that will make taste buds tingle and palates sing. In this tooth-rotting adventure, Cass's mom has been kidnapped by the evil dessert chef and chocolatier, Señor Hugo! The ransom is the legendary tuning fork. Can Cass and Max-Ernest find the magical instrument before it's too late? Will they discover the evil secret ingredient to Señor Hugo's chocolate success? If you're tempted, take a taste, but just remember...this book is not good for you.
Character compass
Cassandra (Cass)
Yo-Yoji
Max-Ernest
Ms. Mauvais
SeñOr Hugo
Discussion points
What would you do if you were faced with a challenge like the characters in the book?
How do you think teamwork helped the characters solve the mystery?
What role did chocolate play in this story? Why do you think the author chose chocolate?
Can you think of a time when you had to solve a problem with your friends? What did you do?
How do the characters change throughout the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the characters' shoes, imagining their choices and outcomes.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and friendship, drawing parallels to your child's own experiences.
Explore the humorous and fantastical elements of the story, prompting your child to think critically about the more serious underlying messages.
Encourage your child to predict future events or alternate endings to the story to develop their analytical thinking skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters collaborate to solve riddles and face challenges, illustrating how teamwork can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn that working together with others, whether in school projects or sports, can help achieve collective goals and solve problems more efficiently.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: The protagonist often assesses situations and puzzles thoughtfully, encouraging readers to think analytically.
Real-World Application: This promotes a mindset where children evaluate options and make informed decisions in real-world scenarios, such as understanding the consequences of their actions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Characters encounter numerous setbacks but continue to persevere, underscoring the value of resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence and determination, even when faced with difficulties in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The dangers of greed
Explanation: The narrative highlights the negative outcomes associated with characters who prioritize wealth or power over more noble considerations.
Real-World Application: Children are guided to value integrity and prioritize ethical behavior over materialistic gains.
Example Lesson: Importance of healthy eating
Explanation: The book cleverly incorporates themes of food and indulgence, subtly nudging towards the benefits of a balanced diet.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to make healthier food choices and understand the impact of their dietary habits on their overall well-being.