Vanishing Act
#1 in The Spy Who Wasn't There Series
on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
When thirteen-year-old Jennifer discovers a spell which makes her invisible, she enlists the aid of her twin, Maggie, and best friend, Samuel, to solve the mystery of her father's disappearance. Would-be detectives Samuel and 13-year-old twins Jennifer and Maggie embark on the journey of their lives when they join their resourceful grandmother on a Greek cruise that could end with the rescue of their father, who has mysteriously disappeared.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Jamie to become invisible, and how would you feel in his situation?
How did Jamie's relationships with his family and friends change throughout the story?
What are some ways Jamie could have solved his problems without vanishing?
If you had the power to become invisible, what would you do with it?
What do you think is the main message of 'Vanishing Act', and why is it important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Jamie's shoes to better understand his feelings and decisions.
Discuss the importance of confronting problems head-on, using examples from both the book and real-life situations.
Highlight the impact of actions on relationships by pointing out changes in Jamie’s interactions with others throughout the story.
Use the theme of invisibility to discuss the broader concept of feeling unnoticed or misunderstood, and share personal experiences related to these feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage
Explanation: In 'Vanishing Act,' the protagonist faces various challenges that require bravery to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears and challenges with bravery, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout 'Vanishing Act,' the characters support each other through thick and thin, highlighting strong bonds of friendship.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of supporting friends and being a dependable companion in real life situations.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The story demonstrates how the characters' decisions lead to outcomes that affect them and others around them.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to think about the effects of their actions on themselves and others, fostering a sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book showcases how characters work through puzzles and dilemmas, using their intellect and creativity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to apply critical thinking and creativity to navigate challenges they encounter in daily life.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: Characters in 'Vanishing Act' persist despite difficulties, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson motivates children to keep trying and not give up easily, regardless of the obstacles they face.