Strikers
What’s inside...
Evan just wants to win a game. Bobby would rather fight than win. Hockey and life keep handing them both losses. Their team, the Strikers, has a roster of rejects in hand-me-down coats but lacks good equipment, a deep bench, and a coach who shows up on time. Their town of Flint, Michigan, has been down on its luck their whole lives. The boys may not understand each other, but together, they’ll find their reasons to keep taking the ice. Strikers is a hilarious, hard hitting, and moving story about how to stay on your skates when you only see L’s in your future.
Age
9-14
Length
168 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters’ teamwork help them overcome challenges in the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in the protagonist’s shoes?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in a different place or time?
What lessons did you learn from the characters' adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the importance of teamwork as depicted in the book and relate it to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Encourage your child to express their opinions on the character's decisions and discuss alternative choices.
Ask your child to draw parallels between themselves and their favorite character to deepen their connection with the storyline.
Explore the impact of setting on the storyline by imagining different scenarios together—this enhances creative thinking.
After reading, ask your child to think of a personal experience similar to one in the book to foster empathy and practical application of the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: In 'Strikers', characters must work together to overcome challenges during their soccer games, highlighting the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in team sports or group projects at school to learn how cooperation leads to success.
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The 'Strikers' face numerous setbacks throughout their games, but their persistence teaches children the importance of not giving up.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in a child's life by encouraging them to continue working towards their goals, despite difficulties, whether in academics or personal hobbies.
Example Lesson: Fair play and sportsmanship
Explanation: The book emphasizes respecting opponents and playing by the rules, which are key aspects of sportsmanship.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply these principles in their own play, learning to treat others with respect and integrity both on and off the field.
Example Lesson: Handling victory and defeat gracefully
Explanation: The characters in 'Strikers' experience both wins and losses, demonstrating the importance of handling both situations with grace.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that it's okay to lose and important to win humbly, skills that can help them navigate challenges and successes in life.
Example Lesson: Importance of practice and preparation
Explanation: The team's success in 'Strikers' often comes from their dedicated practice sessions, underscoring the benefits of preparation.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to consistently practice their skills, whether in sports, arts, or academics, to improve and prepare for challenges.