About This Book
In Matt Christopher's 'Touchdown for Tommy,' young Tommy, recently orphaned, finds himself in foster care with Mr. Powell, a Midget League football coach. Tommy sees football not just as a game, but as a way to prove his worth and secure a permanent home. He believes that if he plays well, Mr. Powell will want to adopt him, giving him the family he desperately longs for. This heartwarming sports story explores themes of belonging, perseverance, and the emotional journey of a child seeking acceptance and love. It's suitable for early to late elementary readers, offering both an engaging sports narrative and a sensitive look at foster care and adoption.
TOUCHDOWN FOR TOMMY Is football Tommy's key to a new home? Football isn't just Tommy's favorite sport-he also thinks that it's the key to a good home. The recently orphaned Tommy is delighted to discover that his foster father, Mr. Powell, coaches Midget League football. By playing well, Tommy hopes that he will make Mr. Powell want to adopt him, and then he will have a real family again. But will things work out the way he plans!
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Discussion Prompts
1
How does Tommy feel about football at the beginning of the story, and how do his feelings change?
2
What does 'family' mean to Tommy? How is it different from what he has at the start?
3
Have you ever tried really hard at something because you wanted to impress someone or achieve a big goal? What was it?
4
What challenges does Tommy face on and off the football field? How does he overcome them?
5
How do Tommy's teammates and foster family support him throughout the story?
6
What do you think happens to Tommy after the book ends?
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