Babe Ruth and the Baseball Curse (Totally True Adventures): How the Red Sox Curse Became a Legend . . .
Totally True Adventures Series
What’s inside...
Before 1918, the Boston Red Sox were a dominant force in baseball, consistently winning World Series titles with the help of their star player Babe Ruth. However, Ruth was traded to the struggling New York Yankees, which marked the beginning of a winning era for the Yankees and a long championship drought for the Red Sox. It wasn't until 2004 that a determined Red Sox team emerged, raising hopes of breaking the so-called 'Babe Ruth curse' and securing a World Series victory.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Babe Ruth such a legendary baseball player?
How do you think the Red Sox felt when they started experiencing the 'curse'?
Why is teamwork important in sports like baseball?
Can you think of a time when you felt like you had bad luck? What did you do about it?
What lesson can we learn from the story of the Red Sox and their journey with the curse?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the themes of perseverance and superstition presented in the book. Use the questions to guide a discussion about the impact of individual actions on a team and the concept of 'curses' in sports and other areas of life. Share stories from your own experiences related to overcoming challenges or dealing with superstitions to make the conversation more relatable and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The story details Babe Ruth's dedication to baseball despite the legendary curse, showcasing his determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persisting through challenges, whether in sports, academics, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: History and sports knowledge
Explanation: This book provides a historical perspective on the iconic Babe Ruth and the supposed curse that affected the Red Sox, enriching a child's understanding of baseball history.
Real-World Application: This knowledge can help children appreciate the significance of historical events in sports and increase their interest in learning about other historical events.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story illustrates how Babe Ruth and his teammates worked together, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in achieving common goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply the concept of teamwork in group activities at school, in sports teams, or in family projects.
Example Lesson: Dealing with disappointment
Explanation: The book explores the times when Babe Ruth and the team faced setbacks due to the curse, providing a lesson on handling losses or failures gracefully.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that setbacks are a part of life and learning to cope with them is crucial for personal growth.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: The narrative encourages readers to think critically about the idea of a 'curse' and the psychological effects it may have on players and fans.
Real-World Application: Children can use critical thinking to question superstitions or myths, encouraging a more rational and analytical approach to challenges they encounter.