Stitches
What’s inside...
One of the balls in a baseball factory, which dreams of playing in the major leagues, has a happy and surprising life after a mailman takes him home to his young son. Stitches was a newly manufactured baseball. He wanted to make it to the big leagues, but his dreams were shattered when a defect was discovered in his stitching. Instead of an exciting major league career, destiny landed him in a secondhand store. This is a marvelous tale of how dreams come true in ways we least expect, proving the old adage: When one door closes another door opens. In Stitches' case, it is the door to the Hall of Fame.
Age
3-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the characters learned about friendship throughout their adventure?
How did the characters' feelings change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Why do you think teamwork was important in the story?
How would you help a friend in a similar situation as the characters?
What was your favorite part of the book and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that let your child reflect on the story and its characters, encouraging deeper understanding and empathy.
Invite your child to relate the situations in the book to their own experiences, fostering personal connections with the book’s themes.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or additional adventures for the characters, boosting creative thinking.
Discuss the decisions made by the characters and ask your child what they would have done differently, promoting critical thinking and decision-making skills.
Revisit favorite parts of the book and ask your child to explain why they stood out, enhancing comprehension and verbal expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Stitches', characters demonstrate understanding and support for each other's feelings, especially during challenging situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to acknowledge and respect the emotions of their peers and family, enhancing their social interactions and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Through the protagonist's journey, 'Stitches' showcases how to overcome obstacles and bounce back from setbacks.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to persist in the face of difficulties, be it in school or personal endeavors, fostering a growth mindset.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The book highlights the use of creative solutions to solve problems, showing the value of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to apply creative thinking in their daily challenges, enhancing their problem-solving skills and confidence.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Characters in 'Stitches' work together to achieve common goals, illustrating the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the significance of working cooperatively in group settings such as classrooms or sports teams, leading to more effective outcomes.
Example Lesson: Acceptance
Explanation: ‘Stitches’ promotes the acceptance of diverse characters despite their differences, conveying a message of inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace and celebrate diversity among their friends and in their communities, promoting harmony and understanding.