Do you think Kelly's red hightops really made her play better, or was it something else? Why?

This is a discussion prompt for Red-Hot Hightops by Sucie Stevenson. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

Have you ever felt like you needed a special item to be good at something? What happened?

This is a discussion prompt for Red-Hot Hightops by Sucie Stevenson. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

How important is it to believe in yourself when you're trying to learn a new skill or play a sport?

This is a discussion prompt for Red-Hot Hightops by Sucie Stevenson. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What does teamwork mean to you, and how do Kelly's teammates show it in the story?

This is a discussion prompt for Red-Hot Hightops by Sucie Stevenson. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

Find on Amazon

Red-Hot Hightops

Name: Red-Hot Hightops
ISBN: 9780316095815

by Sucie Stevenson

Kelly's basketball skills soar when she wears her new red hightops. She must figure out if the shoes are truly magic or if the talent is all her own.

About This Book

Kelly is reluctant to believe her team-mates, when they tell her she plays a better game of basketball since she started wearing her red hightops. She soon has to admit that the sneakers have a strange overpowering effect on her!

Concepts

Self-Confidence & Identity Teamwork & Collaboration Resilience & Perseverance Curiosity & Wonder Friendship & Loyalty Making Friends Growing Up Sports School Life Friendship & Social Fantasy & Magic

Wonderlit Review

Red-Hot Hightops introduces readers to Kelly, a young basketball player whose performance on the court takes an unexpected turn after she starts wearing a new pair of red hightops. Her teammates are quick to credit the sneakers with her improved game, suggesting a magical influence. Kelly, however, grapples with this idea, wondering if her newfound skill truly comes from the shoes or if she is, in fact, becoming a better player herself. This narrative subtly explores the interplay between external influences and internal self-belief. The book handles the sensitive topic of self-doubt and the source of one's abilities through the metaphor of the 'magical' shoes. It's a gentle, non-confrontational way to discuss how we perceive our own talents and the role of confidence. The emotional arc begins with Kelly's initial reluctance and questioning, moves through a period of exciting improvement, and ultimately guides her towards a stronger sense of self-worth and understanding of her own capabilities. It's an uplifting and empowering journey. This book is specifically for children who love sports, particularly basketball, and those who might be experiencing self-consciousness about their skills. It's also a great choice for kids who enjoy a touch of light fantasy woven into a realistic setting. A parent might reach for this book when their child is starting a new activity, feeling insecure about their performance, or needs a story that encourages them to trust in their own hard work and talent. There are no scenes requiring specific parent preparation; the 'magic' is mild and serves as a catalyst for Kelly's self-discovery. Parents might find it a good opportunity to discuss with their child what they believe truly contributes to success. Younger readers (4-7) will likely be captivated by the fun concept of magical sneakers and the excitement of the basketball games. Older readers (8-11) will be better able to engage with the deeper themes of self-confidence, the power of belief, and the distinction between external aids and internal strength. What sets this book apart from other sports stories is its clever integration of a subtle magical realism element, which provides a unique lens through which to examine themes of self-efficacy and the true source of one's abilities, making it more than just a story about winning a game.