Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series
What’s inside...
Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series is a children's book that tells the story of two pairs of Native American baseball players, Louis Sockalexis and Jacoby Ellsbury, as well as John Meyers and Charles Bender, who all made it to the World Series. The book celebrates their achievements and highlights the challenges they faced as Native athletes in a predominantly white sport. Through their stories, the book sheds light on the history and contributions of Native Americans in baseball, and teaches important lessons about resilience, doing what you love in the face of injustice, and the fight for Native American representation in sports.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-9
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the journeys of the two baseball players in the book inspire you?
What challenges did they face and how did they overcome them?
What does their story teach us about teamwork and perseverance?
Can you relate to any of the emotions the players felt during the series?
What would you have done differently if you were in their shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts about the story to encourage open communication.
Ask your child which character they felt most connected to, and why.
Encourage your child to think about the moral lessons in the book, and how they can apply these lessons in their own life.
Discuss the historical and cultural impact of the events in the book, and how they relate to today’s world.
Consider watching a baseball game together to further relate the themes of the book to real-life experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The book portrays the challenges faced by two Native baseball players as they compete in the World Series, demonstrating how they overcome adversities with determination.
Real-World Application: Children can apply the concept of resilience by not giving up when facing difficulties in school or in their personal endeavors, understanding that perseverance leads to success.
Example Lesson: Cultural Pride
Explanation: Through the characters’ connection to their Native American heritage, the book celebrates cultural identity and pride, encouraging respect for one’s background.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate and take pride in their own cultural heritage, promoting inclusivity and respect among peers from different backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: As the characters participate in the World Series, the importance of teamwork is highlighted through their collaboration and mutual support on the baseball field.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to work collaboratively with others in group projects or team sports, understanding that collective effort often leads to greater achievement.
Example Lesson: Fair Play
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in sports and personal life, teaching children about playing by the rules and being a fair competitor.
Real-World Application: Kids can incorporate fair play in their interactions by being honest in their academic and extracurricular activities, fostering a trustworthy and fair environment.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and Overcoming Prejudice
Explanation: The book addresses the racial challenges the players face, and illustrates how acceptance can lead to overcoming these barriers.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of accepting others without prejudice, promoting an environment of equality and understanding in their communities.