Who Let the Gods Out?
#1 of 4 in Who Let The Gods Out? Series
on Goodreads (3,234)
What’s inside...
Elliot's life takes a dramatic turn when a shooting star crashes to earth, revealing itself to be Virgo, a young Zodiac goddess on a mission. Together, they accidentally release Thanatos, a wicked death daemon imprisoned beneath Stonehenge. In order to save the world and solve Elliot's personal problems, they seek help from the retired Olympian gods. This hilarious and adventurous tale is the first book in the WHO LET THE GODS OUT series, which has been shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize.
Character compass
Elliot Hooper
Josie Hooper
Virgo
Hermes
Zeus
Thanatos
Patricia Porshley-Plum
Discussion points
How do you think Elliot felt when he discovered he could interact with the gods? How would you feel in his situation?
What do you think is the most important lesson Elliot learns from his adventures? Why?
If you could meet one of the gods from the story, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How do the gods in the book compare to how they are traditionally portrayed in mythology? What differences did you notice?
Elliot faces many challenges in the book. Which challenge was the toughest for him, and how did he overcome it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting each reading session, briefly discuss what happened previously in the story to enhance recall and narrative understanding.
While reading, point out how Elliot handles various conflicts and decisions, and ask your child what they would do in his place.
Encourage your child to express which parts of the story they find funny, exciting, or confusing, and explore those emotions together.
After finishing the book, engage in a creative activity like drawing scenes or depicting favorite characters to deepen connection with the narrative.
Ask your child to summarize the story to you, promoting their ability to recall and narrate stories accurately.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Who Let the Gods Out?', the protagonist, Elliot, teams up with ancient gods to accomplish his goals. Through collaboration, they are able to solve problems that would have been impossible alone.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of working together with others, whether in school projects or in group activities, to achieve common objectives.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Elliot takes on significant responsibilities, including caring for his mother and embarking on a quest to save the world. His journey underscores the importance of responsibility in achieving personal growth and helping others.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of being responsible at home or in school, such as completing tasks on time and caring for family members.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: Throughout his adventures, Elliot encounters numerous obstacles but continually finds ways to overcome them. This highlights the theme of resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids learn that facing challenges is a part of life, and persistence is key to overcoming these challenges, be it in academics, sports, or personal relationships.
Example Lesson: The Power of Knowledge
Explanation: In the book, knowledge about the gods and their worlds plays a crucial role. It shows how gaining and using knowledge can provide solutions and power.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to pursue learning and education, understanding that knowledge empowers them to solve problems and make informed decisions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Elliot shows empathy towards both his mother and the gods he encounters, understanding their feelings and perspectives even when it's difficult.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which can improve their social interactions and foster kindness.