Knowing the Score
on Goodreads (4)
What’s inside...
For as long as Gemma can remember, it's been her and Mum against the world. They're as close as can be, but deep down Gemma longs to get to know the rest of her family – her Gran and Mum's brother Joe – who Mum turned her back on around the time Gemma was born. With the summer holidays approaching, Mum is invited on an adults-only holiday, and Gemma sees a chance to uncover the story behind the family rift. She convinces Mum to let her stay with Joe, who turns out to be the perfect uncle – fun, friendly, and generous, even signing her up for tennis camp. However, Gemma senses that Joe and Gran are keeping secrets. As the truth about the family rift slowly emerges, Gemma must navigate the complexities of forgiveness and decide whether she can bring her family back together. This heartfelt story explores complex families, forgiveness, and new beginnings, perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson, Lisa Thompson, Susin Nielsen, and Cath Howe.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-8
Length
352 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you learn about teamwork from the story?
How did the main character handle challenges or setbacks?
Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to solve a problem, like in the book?
What would you do if you were in the main character's shoes during a difficult moment?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our hometown?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to the story, building empathy and understanding of the characters.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why it stood out to them, to foster detail-oriented thinking.
Use the story's context to discuss the importance of teamwork and persistence in achieving goals.
Invite your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to enhance creative thinking.
Highlight the moral lessons and ask your child how they can apply these in their daily life, promoting real-world connections.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Knowing the Score,' the protagonist learns the importance of working together with teammates to achieve a common goal, demonstrating that individual success often relies on group effort.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with their peers in group projects at school or by participating in team sports, learning to value each member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Throughout the book, the main character faces various challenges but learns to overcome them through perseverance and determination, showcasing the value of not giving up in difficult times.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial for children when they encounter academic or personal obstacles. Understanding resilience can help them persist and find solutions rather than feeling defeated.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: The story highlights moments where the character must choose honesty over taking the easy way out, reinforcing that truthfulness builds trust and respect.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be honest in their everyday interactions, which helps in forming trusting relationships and gaining respect from peers and adults alike.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: The protagonist learns to understand and empathize with teammates' various backgrounds and challenges, which strengthens the team.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children in appreciating diversity and practicing empathy, fostering a more inclusive environment at school and in their community.