Zita the Spacegirl
#1 of 3 in Zita the Spacegirl Series
on Goodreads (18,704)
What’s inside...
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Zita's life took a cosmic left turn in the blink of an eye.
When her best friend is abducted by an alien doomsday cult, Zita leaps to the rescue and finds herself a stranger on a strange planet. Humanoid chickens and neurotic robots are shocking enough as new experiences go, but Zita is even more surprised to find herself taking on the role of intergalactic hero. Before long, aliens in all shapes and sizes don't even phase her. Neither do ancient prophecies, doomed planets, or even a friendly con man who takes a mysterious interest in Zita's quest.
Zita the Spacegirl is a fun, captivating tale of friendship and redemption from Flight veteran Ben Hatke. It also has more whimsical, eye-catching, Miyazaki-esque monsters than you can shake a stick at.
Character compass
Zita
Strong-Strong
Robot Randy
Piper
Joseph
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make Zita a hero, and how can you apply these traits to your own life?
How do Zita’s actions and decisions impact her friendships throughout the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in Zita's place during her adventures?
How do the different characters in the book show the importance of teamwork?
Why is it important to face our fears, just like Zita does in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences to Zita's adventures, drawing parallels that can make the story more relatable.
Ask your child to describe their favorite character and why they like them, helping them develop a deeper understanding of the personalities in the story.
Praise your child for their thoughts and responses, fostering a positive environment for them to express their opinions openly.
Discuss the moral lessons in the story, explaining how they can apply these lessons in their everyday interactions and decisions.
Create a fun and relaxed atmosphere for reading to make the discussion feel like a natural extension of story time.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: Zita the Spacegirl showcases courage as Zita ventures into a dangerous universe to rescue her friend. She confronts challenges and alien creatures, demonstrating bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing fears and standing up for friends in tough situations, essential in building their confidence in everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Friendship and loyalty
Explanation: Throughout the story, the theme of friendship is prominent. Zita remains steadfast in her loyalty to her friend, which underlines the narrative.
Real-World Application: This teaches children about the value of maintaining friendships and being reliable friends, skills that help in building strong, supportive relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Zita often encounters obstacles that require quick thinking and problem-solving, demonstrating resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively in solving their own problems, whether at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Leadership and responsibility
Explanation: Zita unexpectedly becomes a leader and learns to make decisions for the greater good, highlighting responsible leadership.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of taking initiative and leading by example, applicable in group projects and family responsibilities.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: Zita encounters and collaborates with various creatures. She learns to accept and embrace differences, which enriches her journey.
Real-World Application: Promotes inclusivity and teaches children to appreciate diversity among peers, a vital skill in today’s global society.