The Man with the Magic Foot: A time travel football story for 9-13 yr olds (Chadmouth Town Football Club)
#1 of 2 in Chadmouth Town Series
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
From award-winning children's author Ian Slatter comes 'The Man With The Magic Foot', a thrilling soccer adventure for 9-12 year olds. This story follows Ches, a devoted fan of the Chadmouth Town football team, which hasn't won a trophy in 60 years. When Ches unexpectedly travels back in time to the 1960s just before the team's only FA Cup Final appearance, he finds himself in a position to alter history. An accident the day before the final could change the outcome of the game, and Ches must act to ensure his beloved team's victory. The book has received praise for being an exciting, intriguing, and enjoyable read for football fans of all ages.
Discussion points
What would you do if you had the magic ability to time travel? Where would you go first?
How do you think teamwork in sports like football can help us in everyday life?
What lessons did you learn from the challenges faced by the characters in the book?
If you could give the main character advice, what would it be?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, asking how they would react in similar situations.
Discuss the moral lessons in the book and how they relate to your child's own experiences in school or with friends.
Utilize the time travel aspect to spark conversations about history or changes over time, incorporating a brief fun activity like creating a family timeline.
Point out the importance of teamwork and fair play both in sports and in other group activities your child is involved in.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The protagonist, along with his football team, learns that working together is crucial to overcome challenges on and off the pitch.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to collaborate effectively with others, whether in school projects or in team sports, fostering a spirit of unity and collective problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Understanding the Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The time travel element in the story allows the protagonist to see the direct outcomes of actions, teaching him that choices have consequences.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children think twice before acting and encourages them to consider the impact of their decisions on themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist faces various challenges, but his determination and never-give-up attitude lead to personal growth and success.
Real-World Application: It instills the importance of resilience in children, encouraging them to face academic and personal challenges with perseverance.
Example Lesson: Importance of History and Learning from the Past
Explanation: The time travel experiences offer historical insights that prove pivotal in solving contemporary problems in the story.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value history and learn lessons from the past to better navigate their present and future.