Wonder's First Race
#3 of 72 in Thoroughbred Series
What’s inside...
Against all odds, Ashleigh Griffen's favorite racehorse, Wonder, has come through training with flying colors. Now Ashleigh and Wonder's trainer, Charlie, are putting everything they have into getting Wonder ready for the biggest race of her career: The Kentucky Derby. Then disaster strikes. Brad Townsend, the son of Wonder's owner, insists on working Wonder one icy winter day. As Ashleigh and Charlie watch in horror, Brad gallops Wonder too fast, and the filly stumbles on the frozen track, badly injuring her shoulder. After two years of hard work, have Wonder's chances been ruined in a split second? Read Thoroughbred and experience the love and friendship between a determined girl and a very special filly.
Discussion points
How did Wonder feel before his first race and how did his feelings change throughout the story?
What challenges did Wonder face and how did he overcome them?
Why do you think teamwork was important in Wonder's First Race?
Can you think of a time when you tried something new like Wonder? How did you feel?
What would you do if you were in Wonder's place during the race?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey Wonder’s emotions during various parts of the story, helping your child connect with the character’s experiences.
Pause after key events and ask your child how they think Wonder felt or what they would have done in his situation, to foster empathy and decision-making skills.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and teamwork highlighted in the book, linking them to real-life examples your child might relate to.
Celebrate your child’s predictions or insights during the discussion to encourage active thinking and engagement with the story’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: In 'Wonder’s First Race', the protagonist, Wonder, faces numerous obstacles but continues to strive towards winning the race. This demonstrates the importance of determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn that by not giving up, they can achieve their goals despite challenges, a valuable skill in education and personal pursuits.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, Wonder collaborates with other characters, which helps them succeed in the race. This illustrates how working together can lead to better outcomes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to cooperate with peers in group tasks at school or in sports, promoting harmonious interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Honesty
Explanation: Wonder practices honesty during the competition, gaining trust and respect from others. The story emphasizes that honesty rewards individuals.
Real-World Application: Teaching children the importance of being truthful in their daily interactions fosters trust and builds lasting friendships.
Example Lesson: Embracing Uniqueness
Explanation: Wonder is unique compared to other competitors, yet uses his distinct abilities to his advantage. The narrative supports embracing individual differences.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate their own uniqueness and accept differences in others, enhancing social integration and self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Handling Defeat Gracefully
Explanation: Despite the race's challenges, Wonder shows sportsmanship whether he wins or loses. This highlights the lesson of handling defeat graciously.
Real-World Application: Learning to accept loss without discouragement is crucial for children, helping them cope with setbacks in a healthy manner.