Diary of a Cricket God
#2 of 11 in Diary of a... Series
What’s inside...
Marcus Atkinson is a cricket god (not!). But his dad is convinced that Marcus has magic in his wrists. Marcus is a Maths whiz who is not good at sport. His dad is a self-help author who thinks Marcus can achieve anything he sets his mind to-with hilarious results. In illustrated diary format, Marcus's gentle, satiric humor and comic drawings will have readers laughing out loud while learning a surprising amount about cricket.
Discussion points
What qualities make Marcus a good leader and a good friend in 'Diary of a Cricket God'?
How did Marcus and his friends overcome challenges throughout the book?
Why do you think teamwork is important in sports, based on the story?
How did the characters in the book grow or change from the beginning to the end?
If you were Marcus, what would you have done differently in any of the matches?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their personal experiences in sports or team activities with Marcus's experiences, fostering a deeper connection with the story.
Ask your child how they feel about the characters' decisions, prompting them to explore and articulate their own values.
Discuss the outcomes of specific matches and pivotal moments in the story, and ask how these moments might be handled in real life, enhancing critical thinking.
Highlight the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship as demonstrated in the book, relating these values to your child’s everyday life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Diary of a Cricket God,' the protagonist learns the importance of working together with his teammates to achieve common goals on the cricket field.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in their daily interactions by collaborating with their peers in school projects or during group sports, fostering a sense of community and shared success.
Example Lesson: Handling Failure Positively
Explanation: The book portrays the protagonist's journey of coping with losses and setbacks in cricket, teaching readers that failure is a natural part of learning and growth.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that setbacks are opportunities for learning, encouraging them to face academic challenges or social mishaps with resilience and a positive attitude.
Example Lesson: Importance of Practice and Dedication
Explanation: The character's improvement in cricket skills through consistent practice and dedication serves as a core theme of the book.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to apply similar dedication to their hobbies, academic subjects, or any new skills they are learning, reinforcing the value of perseverance and hard work.
Example Lesson: Sportsmanship
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of fair play, respect for opponents, and graciousness whether winning or losing.
Real-World Application: This principle can be applied in any competitive setting a child may encounter, teaching them to respect others and play fairly, which are crucial social skills.
Example Lesson: Balancing Fun and Responsibilities
Explanation: Through the protagonist's experiences, readers learn to balance the joy of playing cricket with their responsibilities at school and home.
Real-World Application: This lesson guides children to manage their time effectively, ensuring they can enjoy their interests while fulfilling their obligations, such as homework and chores.