The Irish Skateboard Club (Callahan Family Saga)
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
Sixteen-year-old Michael Callahan is even more confused than the average teenager about who he is, having been born in Bolivia and adopted as a baby by an Irish-American family in New Mexico. Determined to lock in a self-identity, he enrolls in semester abroad in a prestigious Irish high school, where he finds himself in a totally new environment-geographical, social, and academic. He quickly slams into conflict with Irish authorities, with his Irish host parents, and with his school.His skateboarding skills help him make friends. He encounters his first love-the feisty, fascinating, and lovely Ciara. Together they stumble upon a Russian Red Mafiya ring trafficking young girls through Ireland. Unable to convince Irish and American authorities of the human trafficking, Michael, Ciara, and their skateboard friends are faced with the most dangerous choice of their young lives-pursue the murderous Russians and save the girls or simply ride away to save themselves.
Why read this book
- Vibrant tale of friendship and adventure.
- Enhances cultural awareness and diversity understanding.
- Supports emotional and social development.
- Engaging narrative promotes literacy skills.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
13-18
Length
278 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the teamwork within the Irish Skateboard Club help the Callahan family overcome their challenges?
What did you learn about Irish culture and traditions from the story?
Which character did you relate to the most, and why?
What are some ways the members of the club showed respect and support for each other?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in our hometown?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, emphasizing the importance of diversity and cultural awareness. Relate the challenges faced by the characters to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, fostering empathy and problem-solving skills. Highlight the value of teamwork and community support, encouraging your child to share examples from their own experiences. Lastly, always appreciate and validate your child’s opinions to boost their confidence and further engage them in meaningful discussions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the book, the members of The Irish Skateboard Club collaborate to overcome obstacles and work on skateboarding tricks, demonstrating the power of working together toward a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate with others to achieve team objectives.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: The characters frequently face challenges and setbacks while skateboarding but continue to practice and support each other, showcasing the importance of perseverance in mastering new skills.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to persist through difficulties in their learning or hobbies, understanding that resilience can lead to personal growth and success.
Example Lesson: Respect and Inclusion
Explanation: The club includes members from different backgrounds, and the story emphasizes accepting and respecting each person’s unique contributions, fostering an inclusive environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace diversity and respect others’ perspectives and abilities, an essential skill for interaction in diverse community settings.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Accountability
Explanation: The characters in the story are tasked with maintaining their skateboarding equipment and the club space, teaching them responsibility for their belongings and shared spaces.
Real-World Application: This lesson resonates as children care for their personal and shared environments, understanding the importance of accountability in communal and personal spaces.