Freestyle
on Goodreads (2,167)
What’s inside...
From New York Times bestselling author Gale Galligan comes a high-energy graphic novel about friendship, family, and middle school challenges. Cory's dance crew is preparing for a major competition, their last before going to different high schools. The crew faces issues as their captain intensifies the routine practice, and Cory's situation worsens when he's grounded for poor grades. Assigned a new tutor, Sunna, Cory discovers her secret yo-yo skills and becomes intrigued. Balancing his new friendship with Sunna, dance practice, school, and parental expectations becomes a struggle as Cory misses dance rehearsals to learn yo-yo tricks, creating tension within the crew. Amid growing pressures, Cory must navigate his conflicting responsibilities.
Age
8-12
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Cory Tan
Sunna
Dominic
Otis
Harriet
Discussion points
What do you think about Cory's journey in the book and the choices he makes?
How do you navigate challenges in school, especially when they involve friends or projects?
Do you think teamwork is important in achieving goals? Why or why not?
If you were in Cory's shoes, how would you handle the pressure of competition?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book's events and characters, aligning them with their own experiences.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and ask your child about times they felt supported by their peers.
Delve into the book’s resolution and ask your child how they would feel in a similar situation, fostering empathy and understanding.
Connect the book's themes to real-life scenarios in school or sports to make the conversation relevant and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: In 'Freestyle,' the protagonist, Cory, discovers his passion for dance, which is different from his peers' interests. His journey showcases the importance of embracing one's unique talents and interests.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own unique hobbies or skills, understanding that it's okay to have different interests from their friends or classmates.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through Challenges
Explanation: Cory faces several obstacles in his dance journey, including self-doubt and peer pressure. The story highlights how perseverance and dedication lead to personal growth and success.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying and working hard, even when they face difficulties in school or other activities.
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Cory learns the importance of teamwork as he collaborates with others in his dance class. This cooperation brings about a successful group performance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding in group projects at school or in team sports, recognizing that collaboration can lead to greater success than working alone.
Example Lesson: Expressing Emotions Healthily
Explanation: Cory uses dance as an outlet for his emotions, demonstrating a healthy way to express feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to channel their emotions through creative activities such as art, music, or sports, which can help manage stress and communicate feelings more effectively.