A Big Day for Baseball
#29 of 39 in The Magic Tree House Series
What’s inside...
Jack and Annie travel back in time to 1947 Brooklyn, New York, where they meet Jackie Robinson and change the course of history. They join the legendary baseball player in a crucial game and help solve a mystery that could alter baseball history forever. With magical baseball caps from Morgan the librarian, they become experts in the sport and take on the role of batboys in a special game. Throughout nine innings, they discover history, mystery, humor, and baseball in this unique adventure from Mary Pope Osborne's New York Times bestselling Magic Tree House series.
Character compass
Jack
Annie
Jackie Robinson
Discussion points
What do you think Jack and Annie learned from their adventure in the baseball past?
How would you feel if you had the chance to meet a historical sports figure like they did?
What are some qualities that make a good team player, according to the story?
If you could travel back in time to any sports event, which one would you choose and why?
How do Jack and Annie use teamwork to solve problems during their adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, emphasize the value of sportsmanship and teamwork highlighted in the story.
Ask your child to relate the historical elements in the book to their current knowledge of baseball or any sport they play.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Jack and Annie’s shoes, fostering empathy and enhancing the reading experience.
Connect themes from the book with real-life situations, such as working together in school projects or family activities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'A Big Day for Baseball,' characters Jack and Annie work together with historical figures to overcome challenges during a famous baseball game. Their collaborative efforts highlight the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working with their peers on group projects at school or in sports teams to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Understanding History
Explanation: Through the magic of their adventures, Jack and Annie experience significant historical events first-hand, teaching the importance of understanding history and its impact.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore historical topics, understand different eras, and appreciate the context of the past in their studies and daily discussions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters face various obstacles that test their perseverance. Their ability to stay resilient underlines this crucial trait.
Real-World Application: Children learn to stay determined and resilient when faced with difficulties in schoolwork, sports, or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Importance of Sportsmanship
Explanation: The book portrays healthy competition and the importance of playing fair, highlighting both winning and losing gracefully.
Real-World Application: Kids are taught to value fair play, respect opponents, and handle wins or losses with good grace in their own sports and competitive activities.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Jack and Annie's adventure sparks curiosity about new places and times, encouraging an inquisitive attitude towards learning.
Real-World Application: This motivates children to ask questions and actively seek out knowledge in school or their everyday lives, fostering a lifelong love for learning.