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Zita the Spacegirl
Last updated Monday, January 10, 2022
Author: Ben Hatke
Date of Publication: 2011
ISBN: 1596436956
Grade Level: 3rd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2022
Synopsis:
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.
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Right away when you meet Zita and Joseph, you learn a lot about their character traits. What are traits and how do they affect your actions and decisions?
Vocabulary:
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Candidate: a person seeking to be elected or appointed to a certain position
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Patent: a government grant giving someone the right to make, use, or sell an invention
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Rigorous: harsh, severe, strict
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Refurbish: to make fresh, clean, and attractive again
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Vintage: old, old-fashioned, classic, the high style of a past era
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Portal: a doorway or entrance to a place
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What do you find out about Zita and Joseph’s characters by their reactions to finding the mysterious red button? Zita is courageous and confident (she jumps right into the crater) and very curious (she wants so badly to press the button). On the other hand, Joseph is hesitant, cautious, and very leery of unusual things.
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What happens to Joseph when Zita gives in to the temptation to push the button?
How does she feel? How can you tell? (She feels responsible and runs into the woods)
Knowing her character traits, what do you think she is going to do?
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In the new dimension, Zita meets all kinds of strange creatures. How does she act to them? She seems to make new friends and allies easily. Why do you think this is?
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What kind of agreement did Piper make? Were you surprised? How did Zita react to finding out about his betrayal?
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After they defeat the robots, it seems like Piper wants to be part of the “team” but Zita tells the robot to just let him leave and go back to the only thing he cares about – his ship. Do you think this is the last we will see of Piper? Why or why not?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Zita fashions a spacegirl outfit using a green cape and special stomping boots. Design a new costume for Zita and give each piece of clothing an unique ability that could help her to survive this adventure.
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So far we haven’t seen much of Joseph except that he is being held captive. What do you think he has been doing? Use a comic book template to draw 1-2 pages about what Joseph might be up to and what his experience has been like.
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Some people think Piper looks a lot like the real life author. If you were the author or this book, how would you draw yourself into your story?
Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/january-2022-mysteries-new-adventures/
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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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