Playing Through the Turnaround
on Goodreads (247)
What’s inside...
In a timely, insightful story told with sparkling wit and heart, young musicians protesting plans for budget cuts navigate miscalculations, indifferent adults, and unexpected loss as they discover the power of speaking out and the value of listening. Fifth period is hands down the best time of day in Connor U. Eubanks Middle School, because that's when Mr. Lewis teaches Jazz Lab. So his students are devastated when their beloved teacher quits abruptly. Once they make a connection between budget cuts and Mr. Lewis's disappearance, they hatch a plan: stop the cuts, save their class. Soon, they become an unlikely band of crusaders, and their quest quickly snowballs into something much bigger--a movement involving the whole middle school. But the adults in charge seem determined to ignore their every protest. How can the kids make themselves heard?
Age
8-12
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the story and why did you like it?
How did the characters' feelings change throughout the book? Can you relate to any of their experiences?
Why do you think teamwork was important in the story?
What did you learn from the characters about handling changes?
If you were in the same situation, what would you do differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
To foster a deeper understanding, relate the themes of the book to your child's experiences. Share your own stories of overcoming challenges or working as a team. Encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite scene from the book, which can open up more discussions about the characters' decisions and feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: In 'Playing Through the Turnaround,' children learn about resilience through the protagonist's journey of learning a new musical instrument. Despite initial challenges and failures, the protagonist persists and ultimately succeeds.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing challenges in their own lives, whether in learning a new skill or overcoming everyday obstacles, understanding that perseverance leads to success.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story showcases the importance of teamwork as the protagonist collaborates with friends during a band performance. Together, they achieve a harmonious outcome, highlighting how cooperation leads to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to participate in group activities, learn how to cooperate with others, and understand the value of working together towards a common goal.
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: Through various characters from different backgrounds, the book teaches children the value of embracing diversity. The protagonist learns from peers who bring different skills and perspectives, enriching the music they create together.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate differences in their peers and understand that diverse groups can achieve great things when they come together.
Example Lesson: Confidence Building
Explanation: As the protagonist overcomes self-doubt and grows in their musical abilities, children see the value of self-confidence. Through practice and support from friends, the protagonist's self-assurance flourishes.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that confidence can be developed through practice and positive reinforcement, encouraging them to tackle new challenges confidently.