#4 in The Bailey School Kids Series
Leprechauns Dont Play Basketball
on Goodreads (1,812)
What’s inside...
The story tells the adventures of an Leprechaun named Lucky playing basketball in a school coached by Coach Gravesend. The children: Howie, Liza, Melody, and Eddie must figure out why this small man is causing so much chaos during their basketball games.
Why read this book
- Engaging fantasy intertwines with real-world school setting.
- Fosters creativity and belief in magical possibilities.
- Encourages teamwork and friendship values.
- Light-hearted, enjoyable read for early readers.
The Big Picture
- Engage in conversations on honesty
- Discuss teamwork in real-life
- Illustrate integrity through playful stories
- Connect fiction lessons to personal experiences
Diversity & Representation
- Inclusive storytelling incorporating mythical Irish cultural elements.
- Encourages appreciation of diverse folklore through engaging tales.
- Explores teamwork across characters with distinct backgrounds.
Book in series
#4
Age
7-10
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
developing
Character Compass
Discussion points
Why do you think the leprechauns didn't want to play basketball?
How did Eddie feel when he discovered leprechauns at his school, and what would you feel in a similar situation?
What are the differences between leprechauns and humans as shown in the book?
What lessons can we learn about teamwork and sportsmanship from the story?
If you were to write another adventure for the leprechauns, what sport or activity would you choose for them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, adjusting your voice for different characters. Encourage your child to imagine and describe how they might design their own magical creature for a sport. Ask them to draw parallels between the fictional conflicts in the book and real-life situations they might face, such as working as a team or dealing with surprising events.
What parents love
Perfect mix of magic and real-life lessons.
Fun read, kids loved the basketball angle!
Great for encouraging team spirit.
My child was captivated from start to finish.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In the story, characters must work together during a basketball game, showcasing how cooperation leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with peers in group projects or sports, learning that teamwork often achieves better results than working alone.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: The inclusion of a leprechaun as a basketball coach introduces children to characters who are different, teaching them to embrace diversity.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to respect and appreciate people's differences in school and in their community, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: Characters in the book face scenarios where they must choose between telling the truth and taking the easy way out, highlighting honesty as the best policy.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be honest in their daily interactions, which builds trust and integrity.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Hard Work
Explanation: The team's efforts in practicing basketball underscore the value of persistence and dedication to achieve goals.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of consistently working hard towards their goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal endeavors.