About This Book
This chapter book, based on the 1996 film, introduces 12-year-old Max Conner, who accidentally frees Kazaam, a 5,000-year-old rapping genie, from a boom box. Max is granted three wishes, which he hopes to use to mend his fractured family, particularly his relationship with his estranged father. The story blends magical wish-fulfillment with realistic challenges like bullying, navigating a new stepfather, and his father's involvement in a criminal enterprise. Parents should be aware that the plot includes intense scenes of peril, violence, and even a character's temporary death, though it ultimately resolves with themes of redemption and family.
Twelve-year-old Max has unleashed the power of Kazaam, a rapping genie who lives in a boom box and grants Max three wishes.
Concepts
Curiosity & WonderFriendship & LoyaltyLove & FamilySelf-Confidence & IdentityResilience & PerseveranceJustice & FairnessGood vs. EvilAnger & FrustrationFear & BraveryEmpathy & KindnessHonesty & IntegrityForgiveness & RedemptionBullyingMaking FriendsFantasy & MagicFamily & SiblingsSchool LifeFriendship & Social
peril_danger
Violence
Character Death
separation_from_parent
Discussion Prompts
1
If you found a genie, what would your three wishes be? What are the rules you would set for your wishes?
2
Max uses his wishes to try and fix his family. Do you think magic is the best way to solve real-life problems? Why or why not?
3
Kazaam struggles with his role as a genie and later as a rapper. How does he change throughout the story, and what does he learn about friendship?
4
Max faces bullies and a dangerous criminal. How does he show bravery in difficult situations?
5
The story shows Max's complicated relationship with his father. What do you think makes a family, and how can people work through difficult family situations?
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