Shadow Over Second
Peach Street Mudders Series
What’s inside...
Nicky is on his way to breaking the record for most runs batted in, but first he must overcome his superstitions, and someone who doesn't want to see the old record broken. Originally published in 1996 by Little, Brown.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
62 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Chad
Maxwell
Discussion points
What do you think made Trish feel anxious about playing baseball?
How do you think teamwork impacts the success of the Second Street Park team?
Can you think of a time when you overcame a fear like Trish did?
Why do you think friendship is important in sports and other areas of life?
What would you have done if you were in Trish’s shoes during the big game?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters and situations presented in the book.
Relate the story to your child’s personal experiences with sports or teamwork to create a more immersive discussion.
Ask your child to consider alternative endings to the book, enhancing their problem-solving and creative thinking skills.
Highlight the importance of perseverance and courage as demonstrated by Trish, linking these traits to real-life benefits.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Shadow Over Second', the characters work together on their baseball team, overcoming challenges and supporting each other to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating with others, which can help them in group projects at school and in daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Handling Pressure and Stress
Explanation: The protagonist faces the pressure of performing well in sports and the stress of personal challenges. The story depicts healthy ways to manage these pressures.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to handle school-related stress, like tests and social pressures, by developing resilience and healthy coping mechanisms.
Example Lesson: Integrity and Honesty
Explanation: Characters in the book face situations where they must choose between easy wins or doing the right thing. Choosing honesty leads to self-respect and trust from others.
Real-World Application: Kids understand the value of truthfulness in building trustworthy relationships and gaining respect in their community.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The main character shows persistence in improving his skills, despite obstacles and failures, demonstrating that dedication leads to improvement.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to persist in their endeavors—be it academics, sports, or hobbies—reinforcing that continued effort yields success.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As characters interact, they learn to understand and empathize with each other’s situations and feelings, promoting a supportive team environment.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to be considerate and supportive of their peers’ feelings and circumstances, fostering a more empathetic approach in social settings.