The Sloppy Copy Slipup
on Goodreads (139)
What’s inside...
Brian Higman, known as Big Hig, is facing trouble when he forgets to do his homework and fears the wrath of his strict teacher, Miss Fromme, and his parents. Despite the chaos at home involving his young brother, a rock band practice, and losing his life savings, Brian has a compelling, albeit long, story. Will it be enough to persuade his teacher, referred to as The General, to give him a second chance? The book, ideal for students struggling with writing, includes writing tips from Big Hig himself and has been recognized on prestigious award lists and named a Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
103 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Brian's feelings change throughout the story, and what caused those changes?
Why do you think it's important to double-check your work, like Brian learned to do?
How did Brian's friends and teacher help him solve his problem?
What would you have done if you were in Brian's situation with the sloppy copy?
How can making mistakes sometimes help us learn and grow?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about a time you made a mistake and what you learned from it.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them how they would handle similar situations in their own life.
Highlight the importance of resilience and effort by discussing how Brian's attitude and efforts helped him improve.
Ask your child to draw parallels between their school experiences and Brian’s story to deepen their understanding and empathy.
Praise your child for their insights and contributions to the discussion to boost their confidence and encourage further exploration of the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist, Brian, learns the importance of responsibility through his quest to fix his homework mistakes and earn a better grade.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking ownership of their schoolwork and duties at home, understanding that their actions have consequences.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the setbacks Brian faces, he persists in correcting his homework. His determination exemplifies the value of not giving up in the face of challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to continue striving towards their goals, whether it’s improving in a subject at school or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Brian uses his imagination to turn a bad situation into a story, showcasing how creativity can be a problem-solving tool.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use their creativity to navigate obstacles and express themselves in unique ways in their everyday activities.
Example Lesson: Integrity
Explanation: Brian’s journey highlights the importance of honesty when he decides to be upfront about his sloppy work and its consequences.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of being truthful about their mistakes and learning from them.