Stink and the Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown
#6 of 14 in Stink Series
What’s inside...
Stink Moody, the shortest kid in 2nd grade, is back in this hilarious adventure where he takes on his biggest challenge yet - the Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown. With the help of his friends and a lot of practice, Stink learns that even the smallest person can do big things. Stink is in search of a sport and decides to become Shark Hammersmash, his alter-ego, to wrestle a win at thumb wars. But will a perfect karate kick lead him to victory instead? Stink needs a sport, quickly! Can his alter-ego, Shark Hammersmash, wrestle a win at thumb wars? Or will a perfect karate kick lead him to victory? Stink Moody, family brain, brings home a report card that isn't perfect. Yikes! Time for him to get into fighting shape and beat back that U for Unsatisfactory in gym! A scan of the sports channel leads to a knock-out find: world-class thumb wrestling, with tricky moves like Snake in the Grass and Santa's Little Helper (no equipment needed, save for a tiny terrifying mask to sit on your thumb). But when Mom and Dad are not wowed, Stink gets another idea: he'll kick and punch his way to a yellow belt with the help of a Dragon Master, a seeing-eye Moose, and a mind as still as a pond. Can you say Crouching Tiger, Hidden Thumb? Hee-ya! Ha! Ha! Ha!
Character compass
Stink Moody
Judy Moody
Sophie Of The Elves
Webster
Discussion points
What do you think made Stink keep persevering in the thumb-wrestling competition, even when it was tough?
How did Stink’s friendships change or grow throughout the book?
If you were in Stink’s place, how would you handle the challenge of the Ultimate Thumb-Wrestling Smackdown?
What are some ways Stink showed good sportsmanship during his competitions?
What did you learn from Stink's attitude towards winning and losing?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate to Stink’s experiences by asking them to share a time they faced a challenge and how they dealt with it.
Discuss the importance of persistence and a positive attitude in the face of challenges, drawing parallels to Stink’s perseverance.
Highlight the value of friendships and support, prompting your child to talk about their friends and how they help each other in challenging times.
Reinforce the lesson of sportsmanship by discussing how Stink treated his competitors and the importance of treating others with respect, win or lose.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist, Stink, faces various challenges in his quest to win the thumb-wrestling championship, demonstrating determination and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through difficulties in their own lives, whether in academics, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Sportsmanship
Explanation: Throughout his competition, Stink learns to cope with both winning and losing graciously, understanding that fair play is more important than the outcome.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of respecting their peers and handling wins and losses with grace in interactive situations like games and sports.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Stink uses his imagination to come up with unique strategies for thumb-wrestling, showcasing creative problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to think creatively in problem-solving, sparking innovative thinking in school projects or everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of friends in supporting each other, as Stink and his friends cheer each other on during competitions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of building supportive friendships and being there for others during times of need or collective activities.