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The Unforgettable Logan Foster
Last updated Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Author: Shawn Peters
Date of Publication: 2022
ISBN: 0063047675
Grade Level: 3rd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2024
Synopsis:
Logan Foster has pretty much given up on the idea of ever being adopted. It could have something to with his awkward manner, his photographic memory, or his affection for reciting curious facts, but whatever the cause, Logan and his "PP's" (prospective parents) have never clicked.
Then everything changes when Gil and Margie arrive. Although they aren’t exactly perfect themselves - Gil has the punniest sense of humor and Margie's cooking would have anyone running for the hills - they genuinely seem to care.
But it doesn't take Logan long to notice some very odd things about them. They are out at all hours, they never seem to eat, and there's a part of the house that is protected by some pretty elaborate security.
No matter what Logan could have imagined, nothing prepared him for the truth: His PP's are actually superheroes, and they're being hunted down by dastardly forces. Logan's found himself caught in the middle in a massive battle and the very fate of the world may hang in the balance. Will Logan be able to find a way to save the day and his new family?
| Note to readers: |
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Per the author, the title character is on the autism spectrum. Discuss with your partner how to explain autism to the kids. This is a good opportunity to have the kids understand empathizing.
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There are illustrations, but they're scarce. Milk them when you see them.
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There are several sections (e.g., "4:02 PM Saturday") which mostly provide background and can probably be summarized rather than read.
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Important/fun chapters to read: Prologue, the "Friday Sept 17" segments, "5:26 PM Sept 19," "6:08 PM Sept 24"
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Do you have a favorite superhero?
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Have you pretended to have superpowers?
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If you were a Superhero what powers would you have? How would you use them to make the Universe a better place?
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Have you ever felt different/out of place?
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What parts of Los Angeles have you visited?
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What would you do during an earthquake like the one that opens the book?
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What's special about Logan's memory? What would it be like to have such a memory?
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Who is Logan telling the story to? Why does the author frame the story this way?
DISCUSSION SUGGESTIONS FROM THE AUTHOR
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FEELING DIFFERENT - Logan understands he is different than most of the other kids he knows, but he isn’t in a hurry to change. Why is it important to have people in your life who accept you the way you are? Who are the characters in the book who accept Logan without asking him to change? Why do you think people feel pressured to change who they are to fit in? Do you have friends or classmates whose brains work differently from yours? How do you find common things to connect over? What are some examples of Logan accepting other people’s differences and not being judgmental?
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MEMORY - Logan has a special memory that helps him hold on to every detail of things he’s seen, heard or learned. What are some examples of things Logan remembers that help him in the book? What helps you remember things? Can you think of certain kinds of things that your memory holds onto better than others? If so, why do you think that is? What is the hardest thing for you to remember? What kinds of tricks or techniques you’ve used to remember pieces of information you need for school or other important situations?
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SUPERPOWERS - This book takes place in a world where superheroes and supervillains are real. Which of the superpowers in the books are most interesting to you? If you lived in that universe, what superpower would you like to have and why? What superpower do you think would allow a hero to help the most people? In the book, Necros has the ability to drain life from others and she’s a villain. Can you think of situations where her powers could be used for good? Are there some superpowers that are only for heroes or only for villains, or do you think it’s what a person does with their powers that make them a hero or villain? Is there anything you’re good at in your life that could become a superpower if you keep working on it?
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POINT OF VIEW - The entire book is written from Logan’s point of view, but he’s telling the story to a younger sibling he can’t remember. Why do you think the author chose to put the reader in the position of being that unknown sibling? How does that make you feel when you’re reading it? Can you think of other works of fiction (movies, series, cartoons, books, plays, etc) where the character in the story is talking to the reader/audience?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Design a superhero mask or emblem for yourself
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Make a flip book depicting events from a superhero story
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Making Superheros from cardboard or cardstock paper. Shoe Boxes, the cardboard piece at the back of a tablet, cardboard that’s used in the packaging of clothing, any reasonably thin piece of cardboard or cardstock paper will work fine. Draw your superhero / robot on the cardboard. Color with Markers, Pens, Pencils or Crayons. Cut out carefully. If there is a design on the backside of the cardboard, you can cover with paper. Glue to the backside after you cut to fit and color. Fold at the joints and you have your Superhero, Robot, Villian or Creature. Go Save the Universe!
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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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