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The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man



Last updated Monday, June 11, 2012

Author: Michael Chabon
Illustrator: Jake Parker
Date of Publication: 2011
ISBN: 0061914622
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jun. 2012

Synopsis: Awesome Man can shoot positronic rays out of his eyeballs, fly as straight as an arrow, and hug mutant Jell-O! Even villains like Professor Von Evil and the Flaming Eyeball are no match for this caped crusader. But Awesome Man also has a secret. . . . Can you guess what it is? The first picture book from Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Michael Chabon perfectly captures the fantasy life of young superhero fans.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What super power would you like to have?
•  Who is your favorite superhero?
•  What makes Awesome Man so awesome? Are you awesome?

Vocabulary Words
•  Satellite: an object that circles the planet
•  Barrier: something used to block something else
•  Nauseous: feeling sick
•  Trademark: something that only only one person can use
•  Mutant: monster
•  Arch nemesis: enemy
•  Trench: long cut in the ocean floor
•  Schooled: taught a harsh truth

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Who was Awesome Man? What was he about to say when he saw the flaming eyeball?(tell his mother) Do you go to a peaceful place to calm down? Does his sister at the end look like another character?

Craft ideas:
•  Have each student create this or her own super hero mask with construction paper and other materials. Make sure to ask them about their superpowers!

Special activities:
•  Fly around the classroom as Awesome Man (or Woman), and then change into a normal kid.

*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!