#7 in The Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series
Big Shot
on Goodreads (14,729)
What’s inside...
In Big Shot, book 16 of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series from #1 international bestselling author Jeff Kinney, Greg Heffley and sports just don’t mix. After a disastrous field day competition at school, Greg decides that when it comes to his athletic career, he’s officially retired. But after his mom urges him to give sports one more chance, he reluctantly agrees to sign up for basketball. Tryouts are a mess, and Greg is sure he won’t make the cut. But he unexpectedly lands a spot on the worst team.
Character compass
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they faced a challenge? Can you share a time when you felt the same?
What lessons did the characters learn about teamwork and friendship? Why are those lessons important in real life?
If you could give one piece of advice to the main character, what would it be and why?
How do the characters in 'Big Shot' show resilience and perseverance? Have you ever had to persevere through something difficult?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you discuss the book with your child, show genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings related to the story.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their experiences and the characters' journey to deepen their understanding of the book's themes.
Praise your child for their insights and understanding, as this reinforces their confidence and engagement with reading.
Use examples from the child's life to relate to the characters' experiences, making the conversation more relevant and meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: In 'Big Shot,' the protagonist encounters various obstacles but learns to persevere and adapt to achieve his goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing challenges is a normal part of life and that persistence is key to overcoming them.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The story emphasizes working together and supporting teammates to succeed in common goals.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of cooperation and being supportive friends and classmates.
Example Lesson: Value of honesty
Explanation: Characters in 'Big Shot' face situations where they must choose between easy lies and difficult truths, underscoring the importance of honesty.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be truthful in their daily interactions and builds a foundation for integrity.
Example Lesson: Self-confidence
Explanation: The protagonist's journey includes personal growth and developing self-belief, which is crucial in overcoming self-doubt.
Real-World Application: Children learn to trust in their own abilities and to approach new challenges with confidence.