About This Book
Robin Klein's "Boss of the Pool" is a poignant chapter book that explores themes of prejudice, empathy, and personal growth through the eyes of teenage Shelley. During her summer holidays, Shelley reluctantly accompanies her mother to work at a hostel for people with disabilities. Her assignment to teach Ben, a boy with intellectual disabilities, to swim forces her to confront her preconceived notions and discomfort. The book is praised for its realistic portrayal of a protagonist's initial biases and her subsequent emotional development, making it an excellent tool for discussing differences and understanding others. It's suitable for ages 4-11, with younger readers focusing on the story of Ben's fear of water and older readers engaging with Shelley's complex internal journey.
Shelley's reluctant attempts to teach a mentally handicapped boy to swim teach her some painful lessons about herself.
prejudice
mental_health_themes
bullying
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Shelley feel about her mother's job at the beginning of the story? Why do you think she feels that way?
2
What challenges does Ben face, and how does Shelley help him overcome his fear of the water?
3
Have you ever felt uncomfortable or prejudiced towards someone who was different from you? What did you learn from that experience?
4
How does Shelley change throughout the book? What lessons does she learn about herself and others?
5
What does this book teach us about empathy and understanding people who are different?
External Reviews
Google Books
4/5 (1 ratings)
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