Shot Clock
#1 of 2 in Shot Clock Series
on Goodreads (320)
What’s inside...
This book chronicles the life of Caron Butler, focusing on his passion for basketball and the discipline it took to excel despite numerous obstacles. It's a story of hope, hard work, and the power of sports to change lives. In a separate narrative, former NBA All-Star Caron Butler and acclaimed author Justin A. Reynolds introduce the first book in a new middle grade series, featuring a young boy striving to stand out on an AAU basketball team coached by a former NBA star in his hometown. This book is perfect for fans of inspiring sports stories. Former NBA All-Star Caron Butler and acclaimed author Justin A. Reynolds tip off the first book in a new middle grade series about a young boy trying to make his mark on an AAU basketball team coached by a former NBA star in his hometown. Perfect for fans of The Crossover and the Track series. A Junior Library Guild Selection! Tony loves basketball. But the game changed recently when his best friend, Dante, a hoops phenom, was killed by a police officer. Tony hopes he can carry on Dante’s legacy by making the Sabres, the AAU basketball team Dante took to two national championships. Tony doesn’t make the team, but Coach James likes what he sees from Tony at tryouts and offers him another join the team as the statistician. With his community reeling and the team just finding its footing on the court, can Tony find a path to healing while helping to bring the Sabres a championship?
Discussion points
What do you think motivates the main character to keep practicing even when it's tough?
How did the characters show teamwork throughout the story?
What did the main character learn by the end of the book?
How would you have handled the challenges faced by the characters?
Can you think of a time when you had to work hard at something like the main character? What happened?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and opinions about the book, validating their feelings and perspectives.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s own experiences to make the conversation more personal and meaningful.
Ask your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why it stood out to them, fostering a deeper connection to the story.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and teamwork, as demonstrated in the book, and apply these lessons to real-life scenarios your child might face.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Time management
Explanation: The story follows the protagonist as they navigate various challenges, using a literal and metaphorical shot clock to make timely decisions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of managing their time effectively, which can help them complete tasks like homework and chores more efficiently.
Example Lesson: Goal-setting
Explanation: The main character sets specific goals to achieve within the time frame of the shot clock, illustrating the value of clear objectives.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to set attainable goals for themselves in school or personal development, fostering a sense of accomplishment.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the book, the character faces setbacks but uses the shot clock as a motivator to persevere and not give up.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by persisting through challenges in their own lives, be it in academics, sports, or friendships.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The protagonist often works with others to achieve goals within the set time, highlighting the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of working together to achieve common goals, whether in group projects at school or in team sports.