The Champion: Contender
#3 of 3 in Contender Series
on Goodreads (841)
What’s inside...
In Taran Matharu's The Champion, the explosive final book in the Contender trilogy, Cade and his friends wage the ultimate battle for their lives—and the fate of Earth itself—in the Game set by the cruel and mysterious Pantheon. Cade has managed to survive the duel with the Hydra Alpha—barely. But the Games are far from over. By order of their cruel and mysterious overlord, Abaddon, Cade and his friends are sent off to war against the Greys, a humanoid race who have far surpassed humans in technology on their home planet. This attempt to move up the leaderboard, however, leads Cade to a game-changing revelation: The Pantheon—the millennia-old alien masterminds behind the Games—have a weakness. With the right artifacts scavenged from the land of Acies and a heavy dose of courage and luck, Cade has exactly one chance to end their tyranny forever. But if he fails, the lives of his friends—and the survival of Earth itself—will be forfeit.
Discussion points
How do you think Cade felt when he was chosen as a contender? Can you relate to his feelings?
What qualities do you think make someone a true champion? Do you see any of those qualities in yourself?
If you were in the tournament, what skills would you use to succeed?
How do the characters in the book demonstrate teamwork or friendship? Why is that important?
What lessons can we learn from Cade's journey and the challenges he faces?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Cade’s shoes while discussing the story, which can help them connect personally with his experiences.
Highlight the importance of perseverance and courage as seen in the book, and relate those themes to real-life situations your child might face.
Discuss the significance of friendship and teamwork in achieving goals, as portrayed in the book, and ask your child about their own experiences of collaboration and support from friends.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios in the book, which can enhance their creative thinking and engagement with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist faces challenging situations but uses inner strength to overcome difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist and find solutions when faced with problems in school or with friends.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book often collaborate to achieve common goals, highlighting the power of working together.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to cooperate with peers in group projects or sports, understanding that team effort can lead to success.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and decision making
Explanation: The protagonist frequently encounters scenarios where critical thinking is essential for making wise decisions.
Real-World Application: This inspires children to think situations through and make informed decisions, building their problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Integrity and honesty
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters face moral dilemmas, emphasizing the importance of honesty.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of being truthful and ethical in their interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The book showcases various perspectives, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding towards others.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate and empathetic towards the feelings and viewpoints of others in their community.