Sin du Jour: The First Course
Sin du Jour Series
on Goodreads (275)
What’s inside...
A moving and triumphant middle grade contemporary debut from award-winning author Matt Wallace about a heroic young girl—who dreams of becoming a pro wrestler—learning to find courage and fight for what she loves. MJ knows what it means to hurt. Bruises from gymnastics heal, but big hurts—like her dad not being around anymore—don’t go away. Now her mom needs to work two jobs, and MJ doesn’t have friends at school to lean on. There is only one thing MJ loves: the world of professional wrestling. She especially idolizes the luchadores and the stories they tell in the ring. When a chance encounter with her neighbor Mr. Arellano reveals that he runs a wrestling school, MJ has a new mission in life: join the school, train hard, become a wrestler. Once MJ starts training at Victory Academy, she feels like the hurts in her life are beginning to heal. But trouble lies ahead. After wrestling in a showcase event, MJ attracts the attention of Mr. Arellano’s enemy at the State Athletic Commission. There are threats to shut the school down, putting MJ’s new home—and the community that welcomed her—at risk. What can MJ do to save her new family?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lena Tarr
Darren Vargas
Bronko Luck
Discussion points
What do you think about the unique job the characters have in the story? How would you feel if you had to cook for supernatural creatures?
If you were to create a magical dish, what ingredients would you use and what would the dish do when eaten?
Which character did you find most interesting, and why?
How do the characters work together to solve problems? Can you think of a time when you had to work with others to solve a problem?
What do you think is the message of the story? How do you apply this message in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their creativity by imagining their own magical dishes. Listen actively to their ideas and help them extend their thoughts. Relate the characters' teamwork to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, such as working on group projects at school, to underline the importance of cooperation and communication. Lastly, discuss the moral of the story to reinforce the values conveyed and relate them to your child’s experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: In 'Sin du Jour: The First Course,' characters must work together to tackle supernatural challenges in their catering job, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with peers on group projects or in team sports, learning that cooperation can lead to achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and problem solving
Explanation: The book portrays characters who adapt to unusual and unexpected situations, teaching the value of thinking on one's feet.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child's life when they face new challenges, encouraging them to think creatively and adapt to various situations at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Characters in the novel frequently overcome obstacles, illustrating the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist through difficulties, whether it's completing a tough assignment or resolving conflicts with friends, thereby growing stronger in adversity.
Example Lesson: Ethics and integrity
Explanation: The culinary staff in 'Sin du Jour' often face moral dilemmas, highlighting the importance of making ethical choices.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of honesty and ethics in everyday decisions, from sharing with siblings to being truthful in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for diverse cultures
Explanation: The book includes a variety of supernatural and cultural elements, promoting cultural awareness and appreciation.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be curious about different cultures and to appreciate diversity among their classmates and community.