Lionel Messi: How A Little Boy Became A Champion
What’s inside...
Lionel How A Little Boy Became A Champion, previously published as Lionel The Little Boy Who Became A Legend by Kerry Tran, is a beautifully illustrated book that takes young readers on an inspiring journey through the life of soccer legend Lionel Messi. With engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations, this book teaches important values such as hard work, determination, and the pursuit of dreams. Suitable for children aged 6 and above, it makes a perfect gift for young soccer fans and aspiring athletes.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-14
Length
78 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Lionel Messi to keep practicing soccer, even when it was hard?
How did Lionel Messi's family and friends support his dream of becoming a soccer player?
What challenges did Messi face and how did he overcome them?
If you were Messi, how would you feel moving to a new country to play soccer at such a young age?
What qualities do you admire most in Lionel Messi and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use specific examples from the book to highlight the perseverance and determination shown by Lionel Messi.
Encourage your child to connect Messi’s experiences with their own, discussing any personal challenges they’ve faced and how they overcame them.
Discuss the importance of support from family and friends in achieving goals, prompting your child to identify who in their life plays similar roles.
Emphasize the human aspects of Messi's story, such as his emotions and fears, to help your child empathize and learn from his experiences.
Praise the child’s insights during the discussion to build their confidence in expressing thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance leads to success
Explanation: The book traces Lionel Messi's journey from a young boy with health challenges to a world-famous soccer player, emphasizing his persistent effort and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist in their endeavors, whether it's improving in a sport, mastering a musical instrument, or excelling academically, despite obstacles.
Example Lesson: Importance of passion
Explanation: Messi's love for soccer is evident from an early age in the story, which illustrates how his passion drove him to work hard and achieve his dreams.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to discover and pursue their own passions, understanding that doing what they love can lead to fulfillment and success.
Example Lesson: Value of support from family and friends
Explanation: The narrative highlights how pivotal Messi’s family and friends were in his journey, providing emotional and practical support.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate and seek support from their own network, recognizing the significant role of family and friends in achieving personal goals.
Example Lesson: Overcoming adversity
Explanation: Facing health issues and economic hardships, Messi's story showcases his resilience in overcoming these challenges to reach his goals.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that they too can overcome personal adversities with resilience and maintain focus on their aspirations.