Even Stevens FC (Colour Jets)
Colour Jets Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
Wayne Travis loves football and plays every Saturday morning with his team on the Astroturf behind the local supermarket. When they are unexpectedly drawn in the first round of the F.A. Cup, the stakes are raised, and the team's casual games turn serious. This story is depicted in a comic picture book by children's laureate Michael Rosen, celebrating the multicultural team's unlikely success.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters in 'Even Stevens FC' handle challenges or conflicts they faced?
What do you think makes a good teammate? Did any characters in the book demonstrate those qualities?
How did the story make you feel? Can you relate to any of the emotions the characters experienced?
What have you learned from the story that you can apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book. Listen actively and validate their emotions. Discuss the importance of teamwork and cooperation, both in sports and in everyday life. Connect the story to real-life situations your child may encounter, enhancing their ability to apply the book's lessons.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The story follows a group of children who form a football team, showcasing how they work together to solve problems and improve as a team.
Real-World Application: Children can apply the principles of teamwork learned from the book in group projects at school or in playing team sports.
Example Lesson: The Value of Practice and Perseverance
Explanation: As the team faces challenges, the narrative highlights the importance of practice and not giving up, even when things get tough.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of consistent effort in learning new skills, whether in academics, sports, or other extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Respecting Differences
Explanation: The team is made up of players from diverse backgrounds, and the book portrays how these differences can be strengths rather than barriers.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to appreciate and respect people who might look, speak, or think differently from them, which is crucial in today’s globally connected world.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Winning and Losing
Explanation: The book shows the team experiencing both victories and defeats, emphasizing a healthy perspective on winning and losing.
Real-World Application: This can help children handle outcomes in competitive situations with grace and sportsmanship, knowing that both success and failure are part of life.
Example Lesson: Communication Skills
Explanation: Effective communication among teammates is portrayed as key to solving problems and achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of expressing themselves clearly and listening to others, which is beneficial in building strong relationships both in school and out.