Tom Daley
Dream to win Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
From the age of 8, Tom aspired to dive at the Olympic Games and has since become Britain's leading diver, gaining global media attention. 'Diving to the Top' details Tom's journey from his childhood to winning an Olympic bronze medal in London 2012. The book highlights the challenges and dedication required to excel in sports, featuring stories of top athletes and their perseverance. Published by Franklin Watts EDGE, this book aims to inspire confidence in young readers and demonstrate the rewards of hard work and determination in sports.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-11
Length
45 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Tom Daley
Andy Banks
Robert Daley
Discussion points
How do you think Tom Daley felt when he faced challenges in his diving career?
What qualities do you admire most in Tom and why?
How important is perseverance in achieving your goals, based on Tom's experiences?
What did you learn about diving as a sport from this book?
How can Tom Daley's story inspire us in our everyday lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use real-life examples of perseverance to draw parallels to Tom Daley’s story, helping your child see the value in never giving up.
Discuss the importance of sportsmanship and dedication, both of which are highlighted through Tom’s journey.
Encourage your child to talk about personal challenges and reflect on what qualities they can adopt from Tom Daley’s character.
Share your own experiences or thoughts on diving, if applicable, to deepen the connection with the book’s content.
Highlight Tom’s achievements and ask your child what big dreams they have that might require similar dedication and passion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Commitment
Explanation: The book portrays Tom Daley's journey in the world of diving, highlighting his rigorous training and dedication.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of dedication and hard work in achieving their goals, whether in academics, sports, or other extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Coping with Loss
Explanation: Tom faces the loss of a loved one and learns to cope with grief, which is sensitively depicted in the narrative.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and manage their feelings of grief or loss, providing them with emotional tools they might need in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Challenges
Explanation: Tom encounters various obstacles on his path to success, including personal and professional challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn resilience and the ability to overcome difficulties, applying this attitude in dealing with their own challenges at school or in their social lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of Sportsmanship
Explanation: Tom Daley's story emphasizes respect for competitors and integrity in sports.
Real-World Application: Children can adopt these principles of fair play and respect in their interactions with peers and in team activities.
Example Lesson: Setting Goals
Explanation: The narrative shows Tom setting clear goals for his diving career and working systematically to achieve them.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to set their own goals and follow through with commitment, helping them to become goal-oriented individuals in their future endeavors.