Tommy Parker: Destiny Will Find You! A Tale of Time Travel, Scary Killers and Ghosts.
#1 in Tommy Parker Series
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Tommy Parker, a normal twelve-year-old boy, inherits a magical pen from his grandfather that allows him to travel within his own memories and alter the past. During his summer stay at his grandpa's house, he uncovers this secret and realizes the fun and dangers of time travel. As Tommy navigates the complexities of changing history, he faces everyday problems similar to those encountered by time-traveling teenagers. This captivating sci-fi adventure blends historical events with fantasy and will appeal to fans of Doctor Who, Terry Pratchett, and JK Rowling. Recommended for readers aged 9 and above.
Discussion points
What would you do if you had the ability to travel through time like Tommy?
How do you think meeting people from different times could change the way you see the world today?
What are some qualities Tommy displays that you admire or could learn from?
Were there any parts of the book that made you feel scared or nervous? How did Tommy handle his fears?
If you could have a conversation with any character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Tommy’s time-traveling adventures and ask how they might react in similar situations.
Discuss the historical contexts Tommy encounters, which can provide a fun and engaging way to explore history together.
Highlight Tommy’s bravery and resourcefulness to help your child identify and articulate their own strengths.
Use any scary or suspenseful moments in the story as a springboard to discuss handling fears and the importance of courage.
Ask your child to think about what questions they would ask their favorite character, fostering a deeper connection to the characters and story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Tommy Parker repeatedly faces challenges and threats in his time-traveling adventures, yet he always confronts them bravely.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle obstacles in life, such as standing up against bullying or trying something new, with bravery and resilience.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and trust
Explanation: Throughout his journeys, Tommy relies on his friends for support and assistance, demonstrating that teamwork and trust are key to overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value their friendships, promote trust, and work cooperatively in group settings such as schools or sports teams.
Example Lesson: The value of learning from history
Explanation: Tommy's time-traveling escapades reveal the importance of understanding historical events and their impacts, which he uses to navigate his adventures.
Real-World Application: Children will understand that studying history is not just about knowing the past, but also about gaining insights that can be used to make informed decisions in the present and future.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one's actions
Explanation: As Tommy interacts with different historical figures and events, he learns that his actions have consequences that can alter the past and future.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that their choices are important and can have significant effects on themselves and others, encouraging them to think before they act.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in achieving goals
Explanation: Despite numerous challenges and setbacks, Tommy remains focused on his goals during his time-travel missions and strives to resolve the situations he encounters.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of persistence and dedication for children in achieving their own goals, whether in academics, hobbies, or personal growth.