Max Brooks teaches kids life lessons through the world of 'Minecraft'
Nov 16, 2023
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Max Brooks, author of World War Z, teaches kids life lessons through Minecraft. They discuss the educational aspects of Minecraft, Brooks' transition from zombies to military research, and their admiration for their mothers.
Minecraft is an effective tool to teach kids about conflict, survival, and adapting to change.
Minecraft provides an interactive and engaging platform for kids to learn and explore various concepts.
Deep dives
Minecraft the Village: Teaching Kids Real-World Lessons
Max Brooks discusses his latest book in the Minecraft series, which focuses on teaching kids important civics lessons. Through the adventure-filled story, kids learn about the significance of voting, the purpose of laws and law enforcement, the role of currency, and how to live in a community. Brooks believes that these lessons are particularly important in our current consequential times, as kids need to learn how to navigate pitfalls and changes in society.
The Impact of Minecraft on Kids and the Positive Feedback
Brooks shares his experiences and feedback from parents and children about his Minecraft books. He mentions that the Minecraft world is a unique and open platform that allows for endless possibilities. He expresses his gratitude for the positive response he has received, including kids who have become readers because of his books. He explains how Minecraft provides an interactive and engaging way for kids to learn and explore various concepts.
From Zombie Fiction to Military Lectures
In the interview, Brooks explains how his career transitioned from writing zombie fiction, such as World War Z, to becoming a fellow at the Modern War Institute. He discusses how his meticulous research and realistic approach to his zombie books caught the attention of the military. He talks about the importance of preparation and knowledge in reducing anxiety and fear. Brooks also reflects on the influence of his mother, a self-made woman who valued education and preparedness, on his upbringing and career.
The Minecraft trilogy by Max Brooks is about two humans – Guy and Summer – who get trapped in the world of the video game Minecraft and have to find their way out. In today's episode, Brooks speaks with NPR's Andrew Limbong about how Minecraft is the perfect medium through which to teach kids about conflict, survival and adapting to change. But they also get to talking about how Brooks' first book, World War Z, landed him a gig at West Point teaching military preparedness, and how he thanks his mom, actress Anne Bancroft, for teaching him the value of being prepared.