Stranger in Right Field: A Peach Street Mudders Story
Peach Street Mudders Series
What’s inside...
Right fielder Alfie Maples is mystified by the newest member of the Peach Street Mudders. As far as Alfie can see, Roberti Frantelli can barely catch a ball or hit. Then Coach Parker asks Alfie to show the newcomer the ropes. Alfie is flattered and teaches Roberti all he can -- but begins to suspect that the coach plans to start Roberti in his position in the next game! Who is this strange new player, and can Alfie continue to help him play his best?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
61 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did you feel about the way the team treated Barney when he first joined? What would you have done in their place?
What do you think is the importance of teamwork and fair play as shown in the book?
How did Barney change throughout the story and what caused those changes?
Can you relate to any of the characters' feelings of being an outsider or fitting in?
What lessons did you learn from the story that you can apply in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation after a relaxed reading session, ensuring the child feels comfortable and open to discussing their thoughts.
Show genuine interest in their perspectives, and encourage them to elaborate on their feelings and thoughts.
Relate the themes of the book to the child's personal experiences, such as feeling left out or the importance of being kind to new friends.
Praise their insights and link them back to the character's growth and choices in the story to emphasize understanding and empathy.
Guide them to connect the moral lessons from the book to real-life behaviors, like teamwork and fairness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of teamwork, especially in sports, as the characters learn to support and rely on each other to win games.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these principles in group activities at school or in sports, learning to collaborate for shared goals.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and Inclusion
Explanation: The story promotes inclusivity by showing characters from diverse backgrounds coming together and accepting a new teammate who initially seems different from them.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of accepting peers who may seem different, encouraging a more inclusive attitude in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Challenges
Explanation: The protagonist faces challenges both on and off the field, showing resilience and determination. This emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to persist through their own difficulties, be it in academic, social, or personal spheres.
Example Lesson: Importance of Practice and Dedication
Explanation: The characters demonstrate that regular practice and dedication are crucial to improving skills and achieving success, particularly in sports.
Real-World Application: This lesson can motivate children to dedicate time to their studies, hobbies, or sports, understanding that proficiency and success come with consistent effort.
Example Lesson: Sportsmanship
Explanation: Good sportsmanship is a key theme, as players learn to win gracefully and lose graciously, respecting their opponents and teammates alike.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply good sportsmanship values in any competitive setting, promoting respect and fair play.