Linspired, Kids Edition: The Jeremy Lin Story (ZonderKidz Biography)
#2 of 115 in Zonderkidz Biography Series
on Goodreads (54)
What’s inside...
Linspired, Kids Edition: The Jeremy Lin Story by Mike Yorkey is a biography that chronicles the rise of Asian-American basketball player Jeremy Lin. The book, tailored for a younger audience, details Lin's early life, his struggles with racial stereotypes, and his perseverance through high school and college basketball. Despite being undrafted and facing numerous setbacks, Lin's faith and determination led to his breakthrough with the New York Knicks, where he sparked 'Linsanity,' a global phenomenon celebrating his unexpected success. The book aims to inspire children with Lin's story of faith, hard work, and overcoming adversity.
Character compass
Jeremy Lin
Shirley Lin
Mike D’Antoni
Tommy Amaker
Peter Diepenbrock
Lin Gie-Ming
Discussion points
How do you think Jeremy Lin felt when he faced obstacles in his basketball career? Can you recall a time when you faced a challenge and how you overcame it?
Jeremy Lin's faith played a crucial role in his life. How do you think having strong beliefs can help someone become successful?
What qualities do you admire most in Jeremy Lin, and why?
Jeremy Lin emphasizes the importance of education alongside his sports career. Why do you think it's important to balance different areas of your life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the conversation by sharing a personal story about overcoming challenges to relate to Jeremy Lin's journey, providing a personal connection for your child.
Encourage your child to think about their own beliefs and values by discussing how these can provide strength and guidance during difficult times, similar to Jeremy's story.
Praise your child’s insights and thoughts during the conversation to boost their confidence and engagement.
Discuss the importance of balancing academics, hobbies, and other interests, drawing parallels with how Jeremy Lin managed his education and basketball career.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance pays off
Explanation: The book illustrates Jeremy Lin's relentless effort and commitment to his dream of playing professional basketball, despite facing numerous setbacks and lack of recognition.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persistence in achieving their goals, whether in academics, sports, or any other endeavors, teaching them not to give up amidst challenges.
Example Lesson: Embracing cultural identity
Explanation: Jeremy Lin's story highlights his journey as an Asian-American in the NBA, bringing awareness to cultural diversity and the challenges of breaking stereotypes.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children to take pride in their cultural heritage and to respect and embrace the diversity around them, promoting inclusivity in their interactions.
Example Lesson: The value of humility
Explanation: Despite his success and sudden rise to fame, Jeremy Lin stays humble and credits his teamwork and faith for his achievements.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of humility in success, understanding that achievements are often the result of collective effort and staying grounded.
Example Lesson: Importance of hard work
Explanation: Lin's discipline in training and improving his skills is a central theme, showing that talent needs to be nurtured with hard work.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to diligently work towards their goals, emphasizing that success is not just based on inherent talent but also on consistent effort and improvement.
Example Lesson: Handling disappointment
Explanation: The book covers moments where Lin was overlooked by scouts and faced cut-throat competition, yet he manages to overcome these disappointments.
Real-World Application: By learning from Lin's experiences, children can develop resilience and a positive attitude towards setbacks, preparing them to face life's disappointments constructively.