NPR's Book of the Day

Max Brooks teaches kids life lessons through the world of 'Minecraft'

Nov 16, 2023

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.

12:58

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Episode guests

Max Brooks

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

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.

Introduction

2min

Teaching Important Concepts Through Minecraft

7min

Transition from Writing Zombie Books to Military Research

2min

Preparations for a Zombie Apocalypse and the Influence of Mothers

3min

Conclusion and Farewell with Membership Offer Ad

2min

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.

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NPR's Book of the Day

Max Brooks teaches kids life lessons through the world of 'Minecraft'

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Minecraft the Village: Teaching Kids Real-World Lessons

The Impact of Minecraft on Kids and the Positive Feedback

From Zombie Fiction to Military Lectures

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts