Baller Boys vs. The Bulldozers
#2 of 2 in Baller Boys Series
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
Best friends Shay and Frankie, and their team AC United, are back for another football season, another year older, and eager for a win… The duo soon realise that nothing ever stays the same, and change is a part of life whether they like it or not – both on and off the pitch.
With new team members, the threat of losing their precious home turf, and changes afoot in their family lives too, can the boys work together to stay on track… and keep winning? And, of course, who will be crowned Baller Boy this season?
Why read this book
- Engaging underdog story, celebrates teamwork and persistence.
- Addresses themes of resilience and sportsmanship.
- Encourages empathy and cultural diversity.
- Vibrant illustrations enhance storytelling and engagement.
Discussion points
How do the Baller Boys work together to overcome their challenges in the story?
What are some qualities you admire in the main characters, and why?
How would you handle a situation like the one the Baller Boys faced against the Bulldozers?
What did you learn about teamwork and friendship from this story?
If you could give one piece of advice to a character in the book, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the different characters and their actions. Ask them which character they felt most connected to and why.
Discuss the concept of teamwork as presented in the book. Relate it to your child’s experiences in sports, school, or family activities.
Let your child express their thoughts about the story’s conflict and resolution. Guide them to consider alternative endings by asking, 'What would you do differently?'
Highlight the importance of resilience and encourage your child to share a time when they had to be brave or work with others to solve a problem.
After reading, partake in a creative activity together like drawing your favorite scene or writing a letter to one of the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Throughout 'Baller Boys vs. The Bulldozers,' the characters must work together to overcome challenges on the soccer field, demonstrating the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in group activities at school or in sports, learning how to collaborate effectively with others to achieve a common goal.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: The Baller Boys face a formidable opponent in the Bulldozers but learn to keep trying despite difficulties, which illustrates the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be adapted in a child’s life by encouraging them to persevere through challenges in their academics or personal pursuits, reinforcing the value of not giving up.
Example Lesson: Importance of Sportsmanship
Explanation: The book highlights both positive and negative examples of sportsmanship, teaching readers about the consequences of each behavior.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to demonstrate good sportsmanship by being respectful to teammates and opponents in sports and other competitive environments, fostering a healthy competitive spirit.
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: ‘Baller Boys vs. The Bulldozers’ features a diverse cast of characters, showcasing how diversity enriches team dynamics and problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to appreciate and embrace cultural and personal differences in their classrooms and social circles, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Leadership Skills
Explanation: One of the main characters takes a leadership role within the team, guiding and motivating peers, which exemplifies strong leadership qualities.
Real-World Application: Young readers can take on small leadership tasks at home or school, such as organizing a study group or leading a team project, to develop and hone their leadership abilities.