The Story of the New York Mets (Baseball: The Great American Game)
Baseball: The American Epic Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
The Story of the New York Mets is the history of the New York Mets professional baseball team from its inaugural 1962 season to today, spotlighting the team's greatest players and most memorable moments.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make a good baseball player, based on the stories of the New York Mets?
How do you think teamwork contributes to the success of a sports team like the Mets?
Can you imagine what it would be like to be a professional baseball player? What challenges do you think they might face?
What lesson did you learn from the history of the Mets that you think applies to your own life?
How do you feel when you watch or play baseball after learning about the Mets' journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their favorite part of the Mets' history and why it stands out to them.
Discuss the concept of perseverance shown by the Mets over the years and relate it to personal experiences or challenges your child might face.
Highlight the importance of teamwork by drawing parallels between playing sports and other group activities your child participates in.
Ask your child to think about what qualities they admire in their favorite Mets players and how they can embody those qualities themselves.
Use the Mets' historical moments as a bridge to talk about the cultural and social aspects of baseball and its impact on American society.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration through the historical achievements of the New York Mets. It showcases how players working together towards a common goal led to successful seasons.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the value of cooperation and teamwork in group activities at school or in sports, enhancing their social interactions and collective problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: The narrative illustrates the Mets' journey through ups and downs, focusing on how the team persevered through difficult seasons. It emphasizes the importance of resilience in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain resilient in the face of challenges, be it academic difficulties or personal setbacks, fostering a mindset that embraces persistence.
Example Lesson: History and Cultural Significance of Sports
Explanation: The book provides an educational overview of the impact of baseball in America, particularly focusing on the cultural significance of the New York Mets within the sport.
Real-World Application: This lesson can broaden children’s understanding of American culture and history, promoting a deeper appreciation for the role of sports in societal development.
Example Lesson: Goal Setting
Explanation: The achievements of the Mets are framed as results of setting clear, achievable goals. The book discusses strategic decisions and planning that led to victories.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to set practical goals for themselves, whether in academics, sports, or personal development, helping them achieve tangible outcomes and boost their confidence.
Example Lesson: Appreciating Diversity
Explanation: The story covers various players from diverse backgrounds and their contributions to the team, highlighting the value of diversity in building a strong, cohesive unit.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to appreciate and embrace diversity in their communities, understanding that different perspectives can contribute to better outcomes in group settings.