Tough Enough (Pokemon: The Johto Journeys, No. 27)
#1 in The Underdogs Series
What’s inside...
As Ash continues his journey to become a Pokémon master, he encounters new challenges and Pokémon, including a trainer with a Scizor, a wild Houndour, and a rare Noctowl. Meanwhile, in the town of Barksdale, the canine residents are caught up in the pursuit of perfection, with each shopkeeper claiming to be the best and the annual pressure at Barksdale Academy for one pup to be named Best in Show. Nova, Duke, Harley, and Peanut, four dogs who have never won Best in Show, must work together to pass their Agility Exam, facing individual fears and mishaps along the way. With humor and engaging illustrations, this chapter book series celebrates the joys of being oneself rather than striving for superficial accolades.
Discussion points
How do you think Ash felt when he faced challenges during his journey? What would you do in his situation?
What does teamwork look like in the book? Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to achieve something?
Why is it important to be kind to others, even if they are different from us, as shown through the different Pokémon in the story?
What can we learn from the way the Pokémon trainers treat their Pokémon?
How do you think practice and perseverance help Ash and his Pokémon grow stronger?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your thoughts about the adventure and challenges faced by Ash and his team. This will show your child that you are interested in the story, making them more eager to share their views. Ask open-ended questions that require more than a 'yes' or 'no' response to encourage your child to think deeply about the plot and characters. Praise your child for their insights, which will boost their confidence and make the discussion more enjoyable. Relate the themes of the story to your child's own life to help them draw personal connections with the characters' experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist's journey through various challenges to become a Pokémon Master mirrors the importance of persistence. Despite obstacles, continuous effort leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist with their goals, whether it’s finishing a difficult homework assignment or mastering a new skill in sports or arts.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The characters often team up with their Pokémon to solve problems and overcome adversaries, showcasing the power of working together.
Real-World Application: This emphasizes the importance of collaborating with others in group projects at school or in team sports.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The story's interaction with various Pokémon species encourages a respectful and caring attitude towards animals and the environment.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to nurture their surroundings and treat animals with kindness, which can be practiced through activities like recycling or caring for a pet.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Fears
Explanation: Characters often encounter frightening situations but face them bravely, teaching readers to confront their own fears.
Real-World Application: Instills courage in children to face their own fears, be it trying out for the school play or standing up to a bully.
Example Lesson: Importance of Strategic Thinking
Explanation: The strategic battles between Pokémon highlight the effectiveness of thinking ahead and planning.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think critically and plan in advance, whether in their academic life or personal decisions.