Paralyzed (Orca Sports)
Orca Sports Series
on Goodreads (141)
What’s inside...
Linebacker Reggie Scott is forced to deal with the repercussions of an incident that shakes his belief in the game he loves. When he is persecuted by angry fans for being a 'dirty' player, Reggie is forced to confront his own guilt and decide whether he can continue to play his senior season and beyond.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Dylan
Discussion points
What did you think about the main character's journey in the book?
How did the character's experiences change the way he views his friends and family?
What lessons can we learn from the challenges the character faced?
How do you think the story would be different if it happened in our town?
Tip: Role play these questions
Share your own experiences or challenges that relate to the story to make the themes more relatable to your child.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, whether they're positive or negative, creating a space for honest discussion.
Link discussions to real-life scenarios that your child might encounter to help them connect with the character’s experiences.
After discussing, suggest re-reading the book to see if new insights appear, fostering deeper understanding and interest.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist faces significant challenges due to their paralysis but learns to adapt and overcome these difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that personal limitations, whether physical or emotional, can be addressed and adapted to, fostering a mindset of perseverance and resilience.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist relies on the support and collaboration of others to achieve their goals, underscoring the value of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the importance of cooperating and working with others to overcome challenges and achieve common objectives in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As other characters interact with the protagonist, they gain insights into the struggles faced by individuals with disabilities, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more understanding and empathetic towards peers who might have differences or challenges, promoting inclusivity and compassion in their everyday interactions.