Gravity Check (Orca Sports)
Orca Sports Series
on Goodreads (24)
What’s inside...
Jamie is determined that nothing—not even his annoyingly popular younger brother Seth—is going to spoil his fun at a mountain biking camp in the backcountry. Nothing but stumbling on a giant grow-op in the woods, that is. And watching their fellow campers get captured by violent drug dealers. And working with Seth to figure out a way to save them without getting caught themselves.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
161 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jamie
Discussion points
How did Jamie's attitude towards BMX racing change throughout the story?
What role do you think friendship plays in overcoming challenges in 'Gravity Check'?
Can you relate to the pressure Jamie felt during the race? How would you handle it?
What lessons can we learn from Jamie’s mistakes and successes?
How do you think teamwork influenced the outcome of the events in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' decisions and their consequences to deepen their understanding of the story.
Relate the book's themes to personal experiences your child might have had, fostering a personal connection to the story.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the book, to encourage critical thinking and engagement with the plot.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and resilience as exhibited by the characters in the book, and relate it to real-life scenarios.
Highlight the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and friendship as portrayed in the book to instill positive values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Gravity Check', the protagonist learns to take responsibility for his actions both on and off the bike trails, which is essential for his growth throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by owning their actions and mistakes, whether it’s in completing their homework, managing their chores, or how they interact with others.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of teamwork as the characters must work together to succeed in their biking competitions and in navigating their personal challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that collaboration and supporting each other are key to accomplishing goals in group settings such as school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear
Explanation: As the characters in 'Gravity Check' face difficult bike trails and personal dilemmas, they learn to confront and overcome their fears.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing fears, whether it’s trying out for a new sport or speaking in front of the class, is a part of growth and can lead to new opportunities.
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: Throughout the book, honesty plays a crucial role in building trust and friendship among the characters.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value honesty in their relationships and understand that being truthful builds trust and respect.