Pass It, Please!: A Basketball Graphic Novel
What’s inside...
Follow the journey of a young basketball enthusiast, Mike, as he navigates the challenges of middle school and his school’s basketball team. Through trials and triumphs, Mike learns the importance of teamwork, dedication, and friendship. Meanwhile, during their first game, the Ballers encounter a problem when Kevin becomes a ball hog and refuses to pass the ball. With support from his teammates, Kevin is encouraged to learn the value of sharing. This Slam Dunk Graphics tale, presented through accessible text and easy-to-follow paneling, will captivate young basketball fans.
Age
5-7
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Marcus
Discussion points
What do you think makes a good teammate, based on the characters in the book?
How did the characters handle winning or losing the games?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character’s shoes during a challenging moment?
Why do you think teamwork is important, both on and off the court?
How do you feel when you help others or when others help you in a team?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their personal experiences with sports or teamwork, enhancing their connection to the story.
Discuss the emotional responses characters show in the book, and compare them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Highlight the importance of practice, perseverance, and cooperation as demonstrated in the book, attributing those values to everyday activities and school projects.
Praise the efforts of each character in the book, prompting your child to think about how every team member’s contributions are valuable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The book showcases characters working together on the basketball court to achieve common goals, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in sports.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in group projects at school or in community activities, learning the value of cooperating and respecting others' strengths.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: As the characters face challenges and setbacks during their games, the story highlights how they persist and don't give up, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether it's in learning new skills, sports, or solving challenging tasks.
Example Lesson: Sportsmanship
Explanation: The narrative conveys respect among players, win or lose, highlighting the spirit of fair play and true sportsmanship.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be gracious in victory and graceful in defeat, applicable in sports and any competitive situations they encounter.
Example Lesson: Goal Setting
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters set specific sports-related goals which they work towards, exemplifying the process of setting and striving towards personal goals.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to set their own achievable goals in different aspects of their lives, from academics to personal hobbies, and understand the steps to achieve them.
Example Lesson: Handling Peer Pressure
Explanation: Characters in the book often face peer pressure in both positive and negative forms and learn to navigate these social dynamics.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of making their own decisions and not being swayed by others, which is crucial in developing personal integrity and self-confidence.