How to Win a Slime War
Charming novel highlights family, friendship, and integrity.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Mae Respecio's How to Win a Slime War is a charming and heartfelt tale about two kids who find themselves in a battle to sell the most slime. Kids will learn about Filipino culture, entrepreneurship, communication, perseverance, and integrity. There are some peer pressure and online and IRL bullying instances, including mean memes and name-calling. A potential neighbor at the strip mall asks Alex and his cousin if they speak English. His cousin replies that they don't speak Spanish and are Filipino. Mild insults include "stupid," "wuss," "nerd," weirdo," "jerk," and "darn."
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What's the Story?
In HOW TO WIN A SLIME WAR, Alex Manalo is excited but nervous to move back to Sacramento, California. He's looking forward to helping out at his Lolo and Lola's (gradparents') Filipino market, but moving also means a new school and new friends. Alex loves making slime and hopes it'll help him connect with kids at school. But what happens when he finds himself in a battle to sell more slime than Meadow MacPhearson, the school's current and only slime seller? Will Alex find a way to balance making slime, finding new friends, and helping out at his family's store?
Is It Any Good?
Mae Respicio's charming and heartfelt tale about family, friendship, and community is a must-read for tweens. Not only does Alex love making slime, but he's also a passionate, aspiring entrepreneur who introduces business concepts in kid-friendly ways. Sometimes you might forget that he's only in middle school, but readers will relate to his struggles navigating new friendships, peer pressure, and his desire to make his dad proud. Readers will also appreciate how Alex's family builds a community that celebrates their Filipino culture. As How to Win a Slime War progresses, tweens will be reminded to take chances, stand up for what's right, and learn the importance of communication, perseverance, and integrity.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
How do the characters in How to Win a Slime War demonstrate communication, perseverance, and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?
Why are books about middle school so popular? What's important about that time in a kid's life?
Do you have a talent or passion like Alex's talent and passion for making slime? What is it?
Book Details
- Author: Mae Respicio
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Topics: Friendship, Middle School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Random House Children's Books
- Publication date: September 14, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 288
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: January 6, 2022
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