The Big Time (Football Genius, 4)
#4 of 6 in Football Genius Series
on Goodreads (2,295)
What’s inside...
Twelve-year-old Troy White's life is turned upside down when a lawyer shows up at a celebration claiming to be his father. Troy, a football prodigy, has been helping the Atlanta Falcons reach the playoffs and is on the verge of major success. But the sudden appearance of his father, along with the man's shady business dealings, creates tension and confusion. As Troy navigates his emotions and the complications of his family's past, he struggles to reconcile his dreams of being with his father with the reality of their relationship. The story is a powerful portrayal of Troy's journey filled with excitement, tension, and the high stakes of family and ambition.
Character compass
Troy White
Tate
Tara White
Seth Halloway
Discussion points
How do you think Troy's abilities to predict football plays impact his relationships with friends and family?
What do you admire most about Troy's character and why?
How do characters in the book demonstrate teamwork, and why is that important?
What challenges does Troy face in this story, and how does he overcome them?
If you had Troy’s abilities, how would you use them in your daily life?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate Troy’s experiences and choices to real-life situations your child might encounter, which can help deepen their understanding.
Encourage your child to think about the morals and lessons Troy learns throughout the book, and ask them how they might apply these lessons in their own life.
Highlight moments in the book where teamwork is portrayed. Discuss with your child the importance of working together whether in sports, school projects, or family activities.
Ask your child what they would do differently if they were in Troy’s shoes in various situations in the story to foster critical thinking and empathy.
Celebrate and validate your child’s insights and connections made from the book to encourage an ongoing interest in reading and discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The book showcases characters working together on the football field to achieve common goals, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate with others in school projects or sports, understanding that cooperation can lead to achieving great things.
Example Lesson: Handling Pressure and Making Decisions
Explanation: The protagonist faces high-pressure situations in football games, teaching readers how to stay calm and make strategic decisions under stress.
Real-World Application: This lesson is applicable to handling stressful situations in school or in their social lives, learning to think critically before making decisions.
Example Lesson: The Value of Hard Work
Explanation: The characters' dedication to their sport and constant practice is highlighted, underscoring the message that success often requires hard work.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this ethic by dedicating themselves to their studies or any other field of interest, realizing that persistence and effort bring rewards.
Example Lesson: Accepting Loss and Handling Disappointment
Explanation: The book also deals with losing games, providing a platform to discuss dealing with setbacks and the importance of moving forward.
Real-World Application: This teaches children resilience and the ability to cope with disappointments in life, helping them to bounce back from setbacks.