Barry Loser is the Best at Football NOT!
#10 of 11 in Barry Loser Series
on Goodreads (140)
What’s inside...
The tenth book in the Roald Dahl Funny Prize winning BARRY LOSER series follows Barry as he navigates the world of football at his school. Despite being kicked off the team for his lack of skills, Barry becomes the manager for his best friend Bunky, who turns out to be a super striker. As the cup final match approaches, Barry struggles to keep both Bunky and himself focused on the game. This hilarious adventure is perfect for readers aged 7-10 years old and fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Tom Gates, and Wigglesbottom Primary series.
Character compass
Barry Loser
Discussion points
What do you think are Barry's strongest qualities, and how do they help him handle challenges?
How does Barry change from the beginning to the end of the story? What do you think caused these changes?
Why is teamwork important in sports or other activities? How did teamwork play a role in the book?
How do characters in the book handle mistakes or setbacks? What can we learn from them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Pause at pivotal moments in the story to ask your child how they might feel or react if they were in Barry’s situation.
Encourage your child to think about the themes of perseverance and teamwork by relating them to their own experiences in school or during sports.
Discuss the different characters’ reactions to challenges in the book, highlighting the importance of resilience and a positive attitude.
After reading the book, engage in a playful activity that mirrors the events of the story, like a light-hearted game of football, to reinforce the lessons learned.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Barry learns to work together with his teammates during football matches, understanding that cooperation is key to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to collaborate and value each member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Handling Disappointment
Explanation: Throughout the story, Barry faces challenges and setbacks in football, teaching him to manage disappointment and keep trying.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital for children to understand that not every effort leads directly to success and that resilience is important in overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Fair Play
Explanation: Barry learns that winning isn’t everything and that playing fair is more important than the outcome of the game.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply the principles of fairness and integrity in their interactions, both in sports and in daily life.
Example Lesson: Self-Improvement
Explanation: Barry strives to improve his football skills, showing that dedication and practice are necessary for personal growth.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to adopt a growth mindset, understanding that they can develop skills and improve through persistence and hard work.
Example Lesson: Humor as a Coping Mechanism
Explanation: Barry uses humor to deal with his shortcomings in football, illustrating that laughter can be an effective way to handle difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use humor to maintain a positive outlook and relieve stress during challenging times.