Terry's Crew
on Goodreads (191)
What’s inside...
Terry's Crew is a memoir written by actor and comedian Terry Crews, detailing his journey from a difficult childhood in Flint, Michigan to his successful career in Hollywood. The book offers humorous and heartfelt anecdotes about his family, struggles with addiction, and experiences in the entertainment industry. It also explores themes of masculinity, fatherhood, and vulnerability, all delivered with Crews' signature warmth and humor. Additionally, Terry's Crew is a middle-grade graphic novel series debut by Crews, where he shares a story of a young Terry with big dreams of becoming a multi-hyphenate, facing obstacles and finding support in his friends at a new prestigious school.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes Terry's crew special? How do they work together to solve problems?
If you were part of Terry's crew, what role would you choose and why?
What is one thing that Terry's crew did that showed teamwork? Can you think of a time when you worked together with friends or family like that?
How did the characters in the book show kindness to one another? Why do you think that is important?
If you could create your own adventure for Terry's crew, what challenge would they face and how would they overcome it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their personal experiences by asking them to share instances where they have been in a similar situation as the characters in the book.
As your child answers the questions, validate their thoughts and feelings. This will not only boost their confidence but also enhance their critical thinking and empathy skills.
Use pauses after asking questions. This gives your child space to think deeply and articulate their responses better, fostering a more engaging and meaningful conversation.
Praise your child’s responses and insights, and gently guide the conversation to connect the themes of the book with broader life lessons and values.
Allow your child to ask their own questions about the story, characters, or any element of the book they’re curious about. This promotes curiosity and deeper understanding of the reading material.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The book showcases a group of characters working together to solve a problem, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to work cooperatively in group settings such as in school projects or sports teams, understanding that collective effort often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Valuing Diversity
Explanation: Terry's Crew consists of characters from various backgrounds, teaching children to appreciate and embrace differences.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this understanding by interacting respectfully and curiously with peers who have different experiences and cultures from their own, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters take on tasks that they are accountable for, illustrating the concept of responsibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of being reliable and fulfilling their duties, whether it's completing homework or performing household chores.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: The story encourages thinking outside the box through the characters' inventive solutions to challenges.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to apply creativity in overcoming obstacles they encounter, be it in academics or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Characters face setbacks but keep trying, showcasing the value of perseverance in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of persistence in everyday challenges, such as learning a new skill or improving in a sport.