The Big Freeze
The Soccer Mad Series
What’s inside...
The Big Freeze follows the story of a group of friends who discover a magical portal in their hometown that transports them to a land perpetually covered in snow. As they navigate this frozen world, they encounter mystical creatures and face challenges that test their courage and friendship. In another context, The big freeze disrupts a soccer team's season, leading them to play indoors and eventually participate in a triangular tournament on all-weather pitches after two months without a proper match. Key characters face challenges adapting to the new conditions and dealing with interpersonal conflicts.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think causes the Big Freeze and what effects does it have on the characters?
How do the characters work together to solve their problems during the Big Freeze?
Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to overcome a challenge? How did you feel?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as the characters during the Big Freeze?
How do you think the story would change if the Big Freeze never happened?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes and ask your child to compare their perspective with yours. Encourage your child to use their imagination by asking what they would do in the characters' situations. Highlight the importance of teamwork and collaboration as showcased in the story, and relate those lessons back to real-life scenarios your child might face. Lastly, validate all responses to make your child feel heard and appreciated in the discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'The Big Freeze,' characters must work together to overcome obstacles caused by an unexpected, harsh winter. This cooperation is pivotal in solving problems and achieving their goals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of cooperating with others, whether it's during group projects at school or when playing sports with friends.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to Change
Explanation: The story portrays how characters adapt to sudden environmental changes, making the best out of an initially difficult situation.
Real-World Application: This teaches kids the value of being flexible and adapting to new situations, whether it’s moving to a new place, changing schools, or dealing with any unforeseen changes.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Characters in 'The Big Freeze' come across various challenges that they solve using creative thinking and collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use critical thinking and creativity to solve problems they encounter in their own lives, fostering a can-do attitude.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters display resilience in the face of adversity, continually striving to improve their circumstances despite numerous setbacks.
Real-World Application: Kids will learn the importance of persistence and resilience in overcoming difficulties, whether in academics, sports, or personal challenges.