Mudville
on Goodreads (414)
What’s inside...
Welcome to Moundville, where it’s been raining for longer than Roy McGuire has been alive. Most people say the town is cursed—right in the middle of their big baseball game against rival town Sinister Bend, black clouds crept across the sky and it started to rain. That was 22 years ago and it’s still pouring. Baseball camp is over, and Roy knows he’s in for a dreary, soggy summer. But when he returns home, he finds a foster kid named Sturgis sprawled out on his couch. As if this isn’t weird enough, just a few days after Sturgis’s arrival, the sun comes out. No one can explain why the rain has finally stopped, but as far as Roy’s concerned, it’s time to play some baseball. It’s time to get a Moundville team together and finish what was started 22 years ago. It’s time for a rematch.
Discussion points
What do you think Roy and Sturgis felt when it finally stopped raining in Mudville? How would you feel if you were in their place?
Why is the game of baseball important in the story? What does it teach the characters?
How do the characters in Mudville show teamwork and perseverance? Can you share an example from the book?
What would you have done if you were Roy when the mysterious girl, Tamara, showed up? How do you think her arrival changed the story?
How do you think the town of Mudville changes by the end of the book? Which change was most surprising to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by asking open-ended questions listed. Share your own thoughts to create a two-way conversation. Highlight the themes of teamwork and perseverance, and relate them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter. Discuss the importance of resilience and how the characters in the book demonstrate this quality in the face of challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance through adversity
Explanation: In 'Mudville', the main characters face continuous rain that disrupts their beloved baseball games. Despite this, they hold onto hope and work together to overcome the challenges posed by the weather.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of remaining resilient and hopeful, even when facing difficult circumstances such as interruptions in their favorite activities or changes in routine.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: The story showcases how the community comes together to bring back baseball to Mudville, highlighting coordinated efforts and mutual support.
Real-World Application: This lesson emphasizes to children the importance of cooperating and working with others to achieve common goals, be it in sports, school projects, or family tasks.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and embracing differences
Explanation: Characters in 'Mudville' learn to accept and embrace new members from diverse backgrounds, enhancing the team's dynamics and success.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be inclusive and appreciate diversity among their peers, promoting harmony and understanding in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of community involvement
Explanation: The revival of baseball in Mudville demonstrates the positive impact of community involvement and collective effort.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of participating in community activities and contributing to community wellness, instilling a sense of belonging and civic responsibility.
Example Lesson: Handling disappointment
Explanation: As the characters in the book deal with the possibility of not playing baseball, they learn to handle their disappointment constructively.
Real-World Application: Children learn that disappointment is a part of life and that dealing with it positively can lead to new opportunities and personal growth.