Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena
#1 of 3 in Chu Series
on Goodreads (225)
What’s inside...
Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena, the first book in a middle grade fantasy series by Julie C. Dao, follows Clip and Sadie Chu, siblings with a fierce rivalry but a shared love for laser tag. When the high-tech Blackwood Gaming Arena comes to town, they are eager to compete, but soon realize they must work together to fight a sinister force within the virtual simulation. As they navigate epic battlegrounds, they learn the importance of teamwork in order to achieve victory. A rollicking, action-packed adventure of laser tag and fierce sibling rivalries, Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena is the first book in a commercial middle grade fantasy series by Julie C. Dao. Clip and Sadie Chu couldn’t be more different. Popular, athletic Clip wants to become his school’s first seventh-grade soccer captain, while brainy star student Sadie is determined to prove that she can do anything her boastful brother can. They have just one thing in common: they love laser tag. Like, really love it. When the Blackwood Gaming Arena comes to town, bringing virtual reality headsets and state-of-the-art courses, they couldn’t be more excited—or competitive. But then a mysterious figure appears and claims to be a part of the game, forcing the Chus and their friends to save themselves from a sinister force lurking inside the simulation. Together, they must fight their way through epic battlegrounds that will test their speed, skills, and smarts. But will Clip and Sadie learn that they’re far better off working together than competing for the ultimate victory?
Character compass
Sadie Chu
Clip Chu
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Team Chu to enter the Blackwood Arena battle?
How did the characters' teamwork affect the outcome of their adventure?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
What would you have done differently if you were part of Team Chu?
How do you think the story would change if it were set in a different place or time?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, emphasize the importance of teamwork and ask your child about times they've had to work in a team.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why it stood out to them.
Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer to encourage critical thinking.
Relate the story's challenges to real-life situations your child may face to make the conversation relevant.
Celebrate your child's responses and insights to instill confidence and encourage further reading and discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The characters in 'Team Chu and the Battle of Blackwood Arena' work together to overcome obstacles during their adventures, demonstrating effective collaboration and the importance of every team member's contributions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each team member's role in achieving a common goal.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters face various challenges that require them to be brave and make tough decisions, showcasing the virtues of courage in adversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children face their own fears and challenges, whether it’s trying out for a new sport, standing up for a friend, or dealing with a difficult situation at school.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The story highlights how the characters use their intellect and creativity to solve puzzles and conflicts, emphasizing the benefits of critical thinking and innovative solutions.
Real-World Application: Children can use problem-solving skills in their daily life by finding creative solutions to conflicts with peers or tackling challenging homework assignments effectively.
Example Lesson: Integrity and Honesty
Explanation: As the plot unfolds, characters who adhere to their moral values despite various temptations and challenges illustrate the importance of integrity and honesty.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be truthful and uphold their principles in all aspects of life, from being honest about their mistakes to being reliable and trustworthy in their interactions with others.