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Hanna Storm: Intergalactic

Teacher's Guide

Welcome to the teacher’s guide for Hanna Storm: Intergalactic by C.J. Starbright and the Stargazers. This science fiction adventure novel offers a dynamic platform to engage middle and high school students in critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence development. With its compelling storyline, relatable protagonist, and thought-provoking themes, the book invites meaningful exploration of interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

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This guide aligns with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies, fostering analytical skills, empathy, and collaboration. Educators can use this resource to guide students in connecting the text’s universal themes with real-world issues while developing their reading, writing, and social skills.

Key Themes

1

Exploration and Curiosity

Students examine how Hanna’s relentless curiosity propels the story forward and connects to the broader themes of scientific inquiry and discovery. This theme encourages asking meaningful questions and pursuing knowledge.

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Standards Alignment:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.1: Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly.

  • SEL: Self-awareness and responsible decision-making.

2

Resilience and Problem-Solving

The narrative showcases Hanna’s ability to navigate challenges through creative problem-solving, adaptability, and perseverance. Students analyze critical moments where resilience is key to overcoming obstacles.

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Standards Alignment:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.3: Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents propel the action.

  • SEL: Self-management and goal-setting.

3

Diversity and Inclusion

As Hanna interacts with various alien cultures, the story highlights themes of acceptance and collaboration across differences. Students explore the importance of inclusion and empathy in building relationships.

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Standards Alignment:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners.

  • SEL: Social awareness and relationship skills.

4

Ethics and Leadership

Ethical dilemmas and leadership choices feature prominently as Hanna faces decisions that impact herself and others. Students evaluate the moral reasoning behind actions taken in the story and discuss the complexities of leadership.

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Standards Alignment:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

  • SEL: Responsible decision-making and ethical leadership.

5

Family and Relationships

Family bonds and interpersonal relationships drive much of Hanna’s motivation and growth throughout the novel. Students reflect on how connections influence character development and decisions.

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Standards Alignment:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.2: Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development.

  • SEL: Relationship skills and self-awareness.

Guide Outline

Each chapter in this guide includes:

 

Discussion Questions: Designed to encourage critical thinking and close reading, these questions explore key events, themes, and character developments. They are aligned with CCSS and SEL standards to ensure students build both academic and emotional skills. 

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Suggested Activities: Hands-on and creative activities give students opportunities to engage more deeply with the text, fostering collaboration, problem-solving, and personal expression. Activities align with relevant standards and are adaptable for individual or group work.Essay Prompts and Grading Rubric: The essay questions encourage students to delve into key themes of Hanna Storm: Intergalactic, such as curiosity, resilience, diversity, ethics, and family, by analyzing character decisions and narrative events. The accompanying grading rubric evaluates student essays based on thesis clarity, evidence and analysis, organization, writing mechanics, and engagement, providing clear benchmarks for success while fostering critical thinking and personal expression.Through these themes, questions, and activities, this guide provides educators with tools to support critical analysis, foster social-emotional growth, and inspire creativity in their students. By engaging with Hanna Storm: Intergalactic, students embark on a journey of exploration, resilience, and discovery that mirrors their own potential for growth.

Teaching sitting children

©2025 by Redwood Mountain Publishing.

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