The Goalkeeper's Revenge (Bloomsbury Reader)
The New windmill series
on Goodreads (161)
What’s inside...
One of a series of top-quality fiction for schools, this is a collection of stories of a Lancashire childhood, of football in the streets, fishing, fighting and school, of growing up and looking for work, and of characters such as Spit Nolan the champion trolley-rider, and Sam Dalt the goalkeeper. The stories in this book capture the adventures and challenges of a young boy and his friends as they navigate their way through their formative years.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-14
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the goalkeeper felt when he faced challenges? What would you do in his place?
What lessons can we learn about teamwork and perseverance from the stories?
Can you think of a time when you had to work hard to overcome an obstacle? How does that relate to the characters in the book?
Why is it important to keep trying even when things are difficult?
What does this story teach us about the importance of having goals?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage open conversation by sharing your own experiences related to the themes in the book. Listen actively to your child’s opinions and feelings about the story, validating their thoughts and emotions. Use examples from the book to discuss real-life applications of perseverance and teamwork. Guide them to connect the characters' experiences with their own life. Lastly, celebrate the efforts and not just successes, mimicking the characters' journeys in the stories.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous obstacles, both on and off the field, yet consistently strives to overcome them.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persevering through difficulties, whether in sports, academics, or personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: The story highlights how the goalkeeper must work in harmony with his teammates to succeed.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of collaborating with others and supporting group efforts in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Handling victory and defeat gracefully
Explanation: The goalkeeper experiences both wins and losses, and the narrative shows how he handles these outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to accept their successes and failures with grace, understanding that both are part of life.
Example Lesson: Importance of practice and dedication
Explanation: The goalkeeper's skills improve as a result of his dedication to practice, demonstrating the benefits of hard work.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to dedicate themselves to their hobbies, studies, or other interests, emphasizing that effort leads to improvement.