The Drop (Orca Sports)
Orca Sports Series
on Goodreads (37)
What’s inside...
Alex's goal in life is simple: to snowboard all day, every day. His ultimate dream is to be part of the Backcountry Patrol, an elite group of snowboarders who patrol the ungroomed slopes of British Columbia. But first, he and three other young hopefuls (Dave, Bryce and Hope) must endure a series of tests, which takes them to remote and dangerous terrain. When Bryce disappears, the teens are left with Sam, their dubiously qualified instructor, and no links to the outside world. As Alex and Hope scramble to find out what happened to Bryce, they must confront their own fears of the whiteout conditions and the ominous, mysterious drop.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
168 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Alex
Dare
Discussion points
How do you think Sam felt when he made the decision to face his challenges head-on? What would you do in a similar situation?
What lessons can we learn about teamwork and support from the interactions between Sam and his friends?
The story shows different aspects of overcoming fears. Which part of the book inspired you the most and why?
How do you think practicing a sport can influence someone's character and decisions?
What role do you think determination played in Sam’s journey throughout the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to reflect on their own experiences with sports or team activities and relate those to Sam's journey and challenges.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and ask your child about a time they had to persevere through a difficult situation.
Highlight the significance of friendship and support systems depicted in the book. Talk about who your child considers their support system and why.
Pose hypotheticals based on the book’s scenarios to help your child consider different outcomes and possibilities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Drop,' the protagonist learns to collaborate with others while participating in snowboarding competitions, understanding that cooperation can lead to greater success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working together with their peers on group projects or sports, learning that collective effort often yields better results.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The main character faces various obstacles and setbacks in snowboarding but continuously strives to improve and overcome these difficulties.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to not give up easily when confronted with challenges in school or their personal lives, fostering a spirit of perseverance.
Example Lesson: Respect for rules and sportsmanship
Explanation: Throughout the competitions, the protagonist learns the importance of following rules and displaying good sportsmanship, regardless of whether he wins or loses.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the significance of playing by the rules and treating others with respect, which can be reflected in their interactions at school and while playing games.
Example Lesson: The value of passion and dedication
Explanation: The young snowboarder's dedication to his sport demonstrates how passion can drive success and personal fulfillment.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to discover and pursue their own interests with dedication, whether in academics, arts, or sports, recognizing that genuine effort leads to rewarding experiences.
Example Lesson: Handling peer pressure
Explanation: The protagonist encounters situations where he must make decisions that might go against the group's influence, which teaches him to stay true to his values.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of making their own choices and not succumbing to peer pressure, promoting independence and strong moral principles.