Shortstop from Tokyo (Matt Christopher Sports Classics)
Matt Christopher Sports Series for Kids
What’s inside...
When the new boy from Tokyo takes over Stogie Crane's position as shortstop, the two boys encounter the first of several barriers to their friendship. Use Novel-Ties ® study guides as your total guided reading program. Reproducible pages in chapter-by-chapter format provide you with the right questions to ask, the important issues to discuss, and the organizational aids that help students get the most out of each book they read.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
121 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Taro Komori
Discussion points
How did the challenges that the main character faced help him grow in the story?
What can we learn about teamwork and friendship from the characters in the book?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in our hometown?
What qualities do you admire in the main character and why?
If you could ask the main character a question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, especially regarding team activities or new challenges.
Discuss the cultural aspects presented in the book. It's a good opportunity to teach respect for different cultures.
Use the book's setting and events to introduce or expand on the concept of sportsmanship and fair play.
Prompt your child to talk about the emotions the characters might be feeling in different situations, helping them develop empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Cultural Diversity
Explanation: The story follows a young baseball player from Tokyo who faces challenges in fitting into a new team in the U.S. It showcases the journey of understanding and accepting cultural differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect peers from different backgrounds, promoting inclusive behavior at school and in community settings.
Example Lesson: Perseverance Through Adversity
Explanation: The protagonist overcomes language barriers and cultural misunderstandings to succeed in his sport. His determination is a central theme.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to persist in their goals despite difficulties, whether in academics, sports, or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The team’s success is depicted as a collective effort, where each member, including the protagonist, contributes and supports one another.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working collaboratively in group projects, sports teams, or family activities to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As teammates start to empathize with the protagonist’s challenges, they come together to support him, fostering a supportive team environment.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more empathetic and supportive towards their peers, understanding their struggles and offering help when needed.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite initial setbacks and homesickness, the young player adapts and thrives in his new environment.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that it’s normal to face challenges when trying new things and that resilience can lead to personal growth and success.