About This Book
This engaging chapter book follows Cole Richards, a dedicated karate student on the verge of his next belt. He faces a triple threat: a demanding belt test, a creative kata contest, and social conflicts involving local teens and his own friends. The narrative skillfully explores themes of jealousy, competition, and bullying, offering young readers a relatable look at navigating pressure and standing up for oneself. It's an excellent choice for children aged 7-10 who enjoy sports stories and character-driven plots about overcoming challenges.
Cole Richards has been training in karate for four years. He's on the brink of advancing to his next belt level, but as he prepares for his test, new challenges come his way. First, his dojo announces a "create-your-own kata" contest to take place the same day as his belt test. Now he's torn between practicing for the test and making up a series of moves that will knock his sensei's socks off. But before he even begins with either challenge, he lands in trouble with a group of local teens -- and then with his best friends, too! How will Cole handle the mounting pressure? With themes of jealousy, competition, and bullying, Matt Christopher brings together important life lessons and the thrill of karate.
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Discussion Prompts
1
How did Cole feel when he had to choose between practicing for his belt test and creating a kata? Have you ever felt torn between two important things?
2
What did Cole do when he faced the local teens? What would you do in a similar situation?
3
How did Cole resolve the conflict with his best friends? What does it mean to be a good friend, especially when there's competition or jealousy?
4
What does 'mounting pressure' mean, and how did Cole learn to handle it?
5
What life lessons did you learn from Cole's karate journey?
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