Cup Final Kid
Sprinters Series
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
Herbie Bazooka may be small, fat, and only eight years old, but he plays football with the skill of a Brazilian player. When the Hottenham Totspurs' star striker is injured just before the FA Cup Final, Herbie is chosen to take his place.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
59 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Jimmy felt when he was given the chance to play in the cup final? Why?
What qualities do you admire about Jimmy’s character? Can you think of a time when you showed similar qualities?
Why is teamwork important in achieving goals? Can you share an example from your own experiences?
How did Jimmy’s friends and family support him throughout the story? Why is support important in reaching our dreams?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Jimmy's shoes to foster empathy and understanding. Discuss the importance of perseverance and how overcoming challenges can be rewarding. Highlight the value of teamwork and ask your child to think of times when working with others helped them achieve a goal. Use examples from the book to discuss the role of support from friends and family in achieving one's dreams.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Cup Final Kid', the protagonist learns the importance of working together with his teammates to achieve a common goal, demonstrating how collaboration leads to success in team sports.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities or team sports at school, learning to cooperate and value each member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Persistence and Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the story, the main character faces challenges but continues to strive and practice, illustrating the value of perseverance in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to persist in their studies, hobbies, or any challenging tasks, reinforcing the idea that dedication and hard work lead to improvement and achievement.
Example Lesson: Sportsmanship
Explanation: The book portrays both winning and losing as part of the game, focusing on playing fair and respecting opponents, which highlights the principles of good sportsmanship.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply these principles in real life by treating peers with respect, playing fair, and handling wins or losses gracefully, whether in sports or any competitive scenarios.
Example Lesson: Self-Confidence
Explanation: As the character competes in the pivotal match, he gains confidence in his abilities, which plays a critical role in his performance, showcasing the impact of self-belief on success.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to believe in themselves in various situations, from academic pursuits to social interactions, boosting their confidence and effectiveness.
Example Lesson: Importance of Preparation
Explanation: The young protagonist's preparation for the cup final is a key theme, emphasizing that adequate preparation is essential for success.
Real-World Application: This principle can be instilled in children to encourage them to prepare thoroughly for their exams, presentations, or any activities that require prior preparation, fostering a habit of readiness.