World's Worst Time Machine: Treasure in the White City (Volume 2)
#2 in World Worst Time Machine Series
What’s inside...
In this second installment of the illustrated novel series by best-selling author Dustin Brady, The $3 Time Machine takes Elsa and Liam on an adventure to the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, known as the 'White City'. Legend has it that an eccentric millionaire hid treasure there, which Elsa and Liam believe holds the key to finding Elsa's missing grandfather. To uncover the treasure and unravel the secrets of the White City, they reconstruct the World's Worst Time Machine. They're not the only ones after the treasure, and they must upgrade their technology, make new friends, and rely on each other more than ever in this journey filled with funny, unexpected adventures and wacky plot twists. Oh, and they're going to need a LOT of pickles.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to build the 'World's Worst Time Machine'?
How did the characters' adventure in the White City change their perspective on teamwork and friendship?
If you could travel back in time like the characters, what historical event would you like to witness and why?
What lessons did the characters learn about solving problems during their adventure?
How do you think using a flawed time machine influenced the story's outcome?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the character's motives by asking them how they would act in similar situations.
Discuss the historical context of the White City to give your child a deeper understanding of the setting.
Relate the theme of friendship in the book to your child’s real-life experiences with friends and ask how they handle challenges together.
Use the book's plot to talk about the importance of learning from mistakes, both in the characters' adventures and in real life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout their adventure in the 'World's Worst Time Machine', the characters must work together to solve puzzles and overcome challenges, demonstrating the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to collaborate with others, fostering cooperation and conflict resolution in group settings like school projects or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Importance of Historical Knowledge
Explanation: The storyline involves navigating historical events, teaching children about the significance of learning and understanding history.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to take an interest in history lessons at school and explore more about the past, enhancing their educational experience.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The characters encounter various obstacles that they need to think critically and creatively to resolve.
Real-World Application: Helps children apply critical thinking and creative problem-solving in their daily life challenges, such as figuring out puzzles or resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: As challenges become more difficult, the characters learn to persevere and not give up, despite failures.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Respect for Different Cultures
Explanation: Interactions with historical figures and immersion in past cultures teach the characters to respect and value different cultural perspectives.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be open-minded and respectful towards people from different backgrounds they meet in school or in their community.