Have you ever felt like quitting something you used to love? What made you feel that way?

This is a discussion prompt for Hoop Doctor by Jake Maddox. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What do you think makes a good coach or mentor?

This is a discussion prompt for Hoop Doctor by Jake Maddox. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

How do you think Kelcey felt when she first heard about Dr. C? Was she hopeful or skeptical?

This is a discussion prompt for Hoop Doctor by Jake Maddox. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What are some ways we can rediscover our passion for a hobby or activity?

This is a discussion prompt for Hoop Doctor by Jake Maddox. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

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Hoop Doctor

Name: Hoop Doctor
ISBN: 9781434289100

by Jake Maddox

When Kelcey loses her passion for basketball, a mysterious clinic run by Dr. C helps her rediscover her love for the game and overcome her doubts.

About This Book

Kelcey wants to quit the basketball team. A mysterious person named Dr. C is running a basketball clinic at her school. Dr. C claims to be able to fix basketball problems, but Kelcey is sure it'll take more than a doctor to make her love the game again.

Concepts

Self-Confidence & Identity Resilience & Perseverance Teamwork & Collaboration Joy & Gratitude Friendship & Loyalty Curiosity & Wonder Growing Up Peer Pressure Making Friends Sports School Life Friendship & Social

Heads up, parents

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Wonderlit Review

Jake Maddox Girl: Hoop Doctor introduces readers to Kelcey, a young basketball player who has lost her enthusiasm for the game and is seriously considering quitting her team. The narrative centers around the arrival of a mysterious figure, Dr. C, who sets up a basketball clinic at Kelcey's school, promising to resolve any basketball-related issues. Kelcey, initially skeptical, engages with Dr. C's unconventional methods, hoping to rekindle her passion. The book gently addresses the common childhood experience of feeling discouraged or wanting to give up on an activity. It handles this sensitive topic by presenting an external, somewhat enigmatic, catalyst in Dr. C, who acts as a mentor, guiding Kelcey to find her own internal motivation rather than simply 'fixing' her problem. The emotional arc moves from Kelcey's initial frustration and self-doubt to a journey of renewed effort and, presumably, a triumphant rediscovery of her love for basketball, making it an uplifting and hopeful read. This book is specifically for children, particularly girls aged 7-10, who are involved in team sports or grappling with similar feelings of wanting to quit a hobby. It's also an excellent choice for reluctant readers who are drawn to engaging, fast-paced sports stories. A parent might reach for this book when their child is expressing a desire to quit a sport, feeling inadequate, or struggling with commitment. Parents can use Kelcey's story as a springboard for conversations about perseverance, the importance of trying new approaches, and the value of finding joy in activities. There are no scenes requiring specific parent preparation, as the challenges are primarily emotional and internal. Younger readers (ages 4-6, as a read-aloud) will likely enjoy the action of the basketball clinic and the mystery surrounding Dr. C, focusing on the plot. Older, independent readers (7-11) will connect more deeply with Kelcey's internal conflict and the themes of self-confidence and resilience. What sets this book apart from other sports stories is the 'mysterious doctor' element, which adds a unique, almost magical realism touch to the problem-solving, making the journey of rediscovery feel fresh and engaging.