Underhand (Orca Sports)
Orca Sports Series
on Goodreads (31)
What’s inside...
Fifteen-year-old Nick Carver is tired of living in his older brother's shadow. Markus is the lacrosse team hero, love interest of Nick's longtime crush and now the recipient of a prestigious scholarship from the Philston Weiks Academy. When a mistake at provincials results in Markus's goal being discounted, rumors start going around school that he cheated. Suddenly, Philston Weiks is 'rethinking' Markus's scholarship offer. They've also invited other players, including Nick, to try out for Markus's spot. Nick is flattered but confliced. He's pretty sure his brother didn't cheat. But can he prove it? And if he does, will he ruin his one chance to finally be in the spotlight?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lindsay
Paige
Discussion points
How do you think Nick feels when he's unable to play basketball because of his injury? What would you do in his situation?
What lessons does Nick learn about honesty and teamwork throughout the story?
Why is it important for Nick to confront his problems rather than avoid them?
How do Nick's relationships with his friends and family change throughout the book?
If you were a character in the story, what advice would you give Nick?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Nick’s shoes, fostering empathy and deeper understanding of the character’s challenges and growth.
Discuss the impact of Nick’s decisions on other characters, prompting your child to think about the consequences of actions in real life.
Highlight the themes of honesty, courage, and teamwork. Ask your child how these values are important in their own life, both in sports and at school.
Use the development of the story to engage in conversations about overcoming obstacles and the importance of facing problems head-on.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or write about their favorite scene, deepening their connection and comprehension of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Honesty and Integrity
Explanation: In 'Underhand', the protagonist faces tough decisions regarding cheating in sports. The story unfolds by showcasing the consequences of dishonest actions, emphasizing the importance of playing fair.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in their daily interactions at school or in play by understanding the value of fairness and the repercussions of dishonesty in building trust and respect among peers.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The book illustrates how working together with teammates leads to greater success than individual efforts. It highlights how cooperation and supporting each other are pivotal in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to collaborate with others in group projects or team sports, understanding that collective effort often yields better outcomes and helps in nurturing relationships.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Accountability
Explanation: The characters in the book learn to take responsibility for their actions, including making amends for their mistakes. This promotes the concept of personal accountability.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital as children learn to own up to their actions, whether it's admitting to a mistake or standing by a tough but fair decision, shaping them into responsible adults.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist faces challenges but learns the value of perseverance in overcoming obstacles. The narrative encourages resilience in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of not giving up despite difficulties, whether in their studies, sports, or personal goals, helping them develop a resilient mindset.