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The Lion of Mars
Last updated Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Author: Jennifer L. Holm
Date of Publication: 2021
ISBN: 0593121813
Grade Level: 5th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: May 2023
Synopsis:
Bell has spent his whole life - all eleven years of it - on Mars. But he's still just a regular kid - he loves cats and any kind of cake, and is curious about the secrets the adults in the US colony are keeping. Like, why don't they have contact with anyone on the other Mars colonies? Why are they so isolated? When a virus breaks out and the grown-ups all fall ill, Bell and the other children are the only ones who can help. It's up to Bell - a regular kid in a very different world - to uncover the truth and save his family... and possibly unite an entire planet.
| Note to readers: |
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This book is about the first American colony on Mars in 2091. There are other colonies (France, China, Finland, etc.) but there is no communication between them. The communications between the base commander and Central Command are important. They set the mood. You should read them also.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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This book is about the first American colony on Mars about 70 years in the future. The people who go there will not be returning to Earth. Would this be something you might want to do? You would have to stay permanently. It would be like the people who came to the U.S. in the 19th century from Europe and Asia.
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Do you have chores you have to do regularly? What are they? How to you feel about that? Are there chores you like or those you particularly hate to do?
Vocabulary:
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Mars: 4th planet from the sun in our solar system. Thought to be the most likely to be colonized after our moon.
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commander: an official position of control such as a presiding officer of an organization.
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chore: a small task or job usually done frequently around the house or organization.
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radiation: process of giving of energy in the form of waves or particles that then attach themselves to other form or being. It can be dangerous if a living object gets too much, as when you get a sunburn.
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lava tube: a natural opening formed by lava flowing from a volcanic vent beneath the surface of a lava flow.
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algae: a group of aquatic plant-like organisms. They can be grown safely to be consumed as food.
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meteorite: a meteor that has reached the surface of a planet without being complexly vaporized.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What do you think is the problem with the other settlements that caused the Americans to stop interacting with the others?
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Readers: Encourage the kids to finish the book. When something happens to the adults, the children have to take over and solve the problems. They will learn interesting things about the other colonists.
Also: This book is by the same author as the January book, The Third Mushroom by Jennifer L. Holm.
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| Craft ideas: |
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Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/may-2023-fantasy-folklore-fairytales/5th-the-lion-of-mars/
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Imagine you are a colonist on a one-way trip to Mars. You will need to take everything with you that you will need and want. Make a list to these things. Remember that how much space you have will be an issue.
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Draw a picture of your room in the settlement. Remember, the space will not be very large. Show placement of furniture and personal items.
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Mothers’ Day is Sunday May 14th. Make a card for your mother, grandmother or aunt.
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| Special activities: |
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Do the Word Search
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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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