About This Book
"The Wizenard Series: Training Camp" blends gritty realistic sports drama with elements of fantasy, following a struggling inner-city basketball team, the West Bottom Badgers. When a mysterious and seemingly magical coach arrives, the kids are pushed beyond their physical limits, learning about teamwork, perseverance, and self-belief. This young adult novel, co-authored by Kobe Bryant, offers an inspiring narrative for readers aged 12-18, exploring themes of overcoming adversity and finding inner strength through a unique blend of athletic challenge and fantastical mentorship. It's a story about the magic of sports and the power of believing in yourself.
A struggling basketball team of kids from a poor neighborhood is transformed by the appearance of a mysterious coach.
Discussion Prompts
1
How does the mysterious coach help the team, beyond just teaching them basketball skills?
2
What challenges do the individual players face, and how do they overcome them?
3
How do the fantasy elements in the story connect to the real-world lessons about sports and life?
4
What does it mean to be an 'underdog,' and how do the Badgers embrace this identity?
5
How important is teamwork in this story, and what lessons can we learn about working together?
External Reviews
Google Books
5/5 (1 ratings)
NYT Bestseller
Children’s Middle Grade Hardcover (7 weeks on list)
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