T.J. and the Penalty (T.J. (Theo Walcott) Book 2)
#3 in T.J. and the Team Series
on Goodreads (15)
What’s inside...
TJ's friend Jamie is the heart and soul of the Parkview football team, but although he's a great tackler his passes are dangerously random - and he can't resist the stodgy food that his mum and the school cook love to tempt him with. Jamie becomes so unfit that Mr Wood drops him from the team, so his friends and their parents organize a World Food and Football day to try and change his eating habits - and to impress the Inspectors who seem to think Parkview is not a very good school. Jamie works really hard to get fit, and finally regains his place in the team, but only when he accepts his true vocation as a goalie.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated T.J. to keep pushing forward despite challenges?
How do T.J.'s friendships influence his journey in the story?
What can we learn about teamwork and perseverance from T.J.'s experiences?
How would you have handled the setbacks that T.J. faced?
What does this story teach us about the importance of goals?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts freely, reassuring them that there’s no right or wrong answer.
Draw parallels between T.J.’s experiences and your child’s personal experiences in sports or school to make the discussion relatable.
Praise your child’s insights to boost their confidence in expressing their opinions.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking and connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of challenges
Explanation: T.J. faces obstacles but remains determined to improve his football skills despite setbacks.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence and hard work when tackling their personal challenges, whether in sports, academics, or relationships.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the book, T.J. learns to cooperate and work effectively with his teammates, realizing the importance of teamwork in achieving common goals.
Real-World Application: This lesson emphasizes to children the importance of working together harmoniously in group settings such as school projects, sports teams, or family activities.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and accountability
Explanation: T.J. takes responsibility for his actions on and off the field, learning to be accountable for both his successes and his mistakes.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of owning their actions and learning from their consequences, fostering maturity and ethical behavior.
Example Lesson: Respect for others
Explanation: T.J. shows respect to his peers, coaches, and opponents, promoting a healthy, respectful sporting environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of mutual respect in all interactions, which aids in building meaningful and positive relationships.