Jack and the Red Giant by Amanda Cleary Eastep is the newest installment of the Tree Street Kids Series. It released on August 5, 2025. In this book, Jack gets a black eye from the snowball throwing of the neighborhood bully Buzz. But then Buzz’s house catches on fire and burns down. Much to Jack’s dismay, his mom volunteers to let Buzz stay at his house until their family can get back on their feet. Even though Buzz is staying at his house and now going to participate in the church nativity play, Jack plots his revenge by building an incredible machine called the Abominable Snowminator. He also suspects that Buzz might have started the fire, but he needs proof.

Possible Discussion Questions:

1. What was the problem between Jack and Buzz?
2. How do you think Buzz felt when his house burned down?
3. How do you think Jack felt when his mom offered to let Buzz stay with them?
4. If you were in a nativity play, what part would you want to be?
5. What do you like to do when it snows?
6. What is something you have always wondered about the stars in the night sky?
7. What bad thing did Jack think Buzz had done? Was his assumption correct?
8. Have you ever had a classmate that was difficult to love? How did you solve it?
9. Have you ever assumed the worst about someone only to find out that your assumption was incorrect?
10. How does God want us to treat others?

Possible Connection Activities

1. Decorating Connection: Buy some glow in the dark star stickers and put them on the ceiling of your bedroom! I remember having stickers like this when I was a girl. I loved them!
2. Night Sky Connection: IN this book, one of the characters named Ruthie is very interested in the stars. She even plays a star in the nativity play. There are many fascinating facts in the sidebars of the book about the night sky. Is there a local planetarium where you could visit to learn more about the stars? Make it a point to plan a special trip. Before you go, prepare by researching the night sky and compiling a list of fantastic facts! Another idea is to think of a place near you that does not have much light pollution at night. Your backyard may even be the perfect spot! Spread a blanket out and look up to the heavens. What do you notice? What do you wonder?
3. Service connection: Think of someone that is hard to love. What could you do for them to show them God’s love.
4. Drama connection: Act out the nativity narrative using props and costumes. Consider making it a video to enjoy with your family.
5. Snack connection: Have some Christmas goodies and cocoa as you discuss the story.
6. Bible connection: Memorize a verse about God’s creation. Suggestion: Psalm 8:3-4.

Order the book on this website

Find out more about author Amanda Cleary Eastep on her website

Post submitted by Mindy Baker

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