Home and Away: One Writer's Inspiring Experience at the Homeless World Cup
#2 of 3 in The Sisters Club Series
on Goodreads (1,107)
What’s inside...
The play's the thing when sibling rivalry takes center stage in a funny, spot-on, all-new Sisters Club story by the inimitable creator of Judy Moody. Alex has always been the Actor-with-a-capital-A in the Reel family, while middle-sister Stevie has been content to stay behind the scenes. But for once, Stevie wants to be in the spotlight. Soon she and Alex are engaged in a fierce battle to take the lead part in the school musical. May the best sister win!
Discussion points
How do you think playing soccer changed the lives of the players in the Homeless World Cup?
What are some challenges you think the players might have faced both on and off the field?
Can you think of a time when you felt part of a team? How did it make you feel?
Why do you think the story of the Homeless World Cup is important to share?
How can we help or support people who are experiencing homelessness in our community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts and reactions to the book to model thoughtful engagement. Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the book’s themes and characters. Use praise to affirm their insights and keep them motivated to delve deeper. Relate the challenges faced by the characters to your child’s experiences to make the discussion more relatable. Lastly, brainstorm together ways you can both offer support or make a difference in your community, inspired by the book’s message.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book portrays the struggles and triumphs of individuals from diverse backgrounds coming together at the Homeless World Cup, educating readers on the realities of homelessness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with people from different walks of life and understand that everyone has a unique story. This can encourage them to be more compassionate and inclusive in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the story face numerous challenges but persistently strive to overcome them, demonstrating the power of resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to face their own challenges with determination, understanding that obstacles can be overcome with persistence.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The participants of the Homeless World Cup must work together to succeed, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating effectively with their peers in school projects or team sports, appreciating everyone's contribution.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness and Appreciation
Explanation: The story brings together people from various countries, each bringing their own cultural heritage, which enriches the experience for all.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of diversity and can encourage them to learn about and respect different cultures, promoting a more harmonious society.
Example Lesson: The Power of Sports to Transform Lives
Explanation: The book illustrates how sports can provide a purpose and change lives, using the Homeless World Cup as an example.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to participate in sports or other group activities, understanding that these can be powerful tools for personal growth and social connectivity.