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Blastaway
Last updated Monday, December 21, 2020
Author: Melissa Landers
Date of Publication: 2019
ISBN: 1484750233
Grade Level: 3rd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jul. 2020
Synopsis:
Kyler Centaurus isn't your typical runaway. All he wanted was a quick trip to the legendary Fasti Sun Festival. Who wouldn't want to see new stars being born? Um, try Kyler's entire family. They couldn't care less about mind-blowing wonders of science.
When an accidental launch sequence ends with Kyler hurtling through space on the family cruiser, the thrill of freedom is cut short by two space pirates determined to steal his ship. Not happening!
Luckily, Kyler bumps into Fig, a savvy young Wanderer who makes a living by blowing up asteroids. She could really use a ride to Earth and Kyler could really use a hand with the pirates.
But when Kyler learns the truth about Fig's mission, the two must put aside their differences long enough to stop the threat of astronomical proportions racing towards Earth.
| Note to readers: |
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First chapter involves bullying/fight amongst siblings--maybe skip?
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Chpater 4 has many echoes of current immigration debates, may want to point out (or skip--get teacher's advice before session starts)
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Do you want to go to space?
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Do you travel to visit relatives (grandparents, etc.)? How do you make the trip (car, bus, plane...)?
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Do you ever want to get away from your parents/family?
Vocabulary
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Wormhole: a hypothetical conncection between widely separated regions of space-time; a maybe shortcut through space
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Astrophysics: the branch of astronomy concerned with the physical nature of starts and other celestial bodies
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Engineer: a person who designs, builds, or maintains engines, machines, or public works
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Physics: the branch of science that deals with the structure of matter and how the fundamental constituents of the universe interact.
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Mutant: a creature that has changed in form or nature from its parents
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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[too dangerous?] What does it mean to protest something? Do you know of any protests going on now?
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Do you ever tease or pick on a younger sibling? Should you? Should you talk like the brothers in the book?
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What do your parents do when you misbehave?
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Do you ever feel alone?
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What does it mean to be part of a family?
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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