We Are Family

Describe Jayden, his situation and his motivation.

Page 1 — Jayden is beginning 7th grade, he and his mom live with his grandma, he sleeps in the bed and feels guilty while his mom sleeps on the couch, his mom works for an attorney and she is trying to make ends meet; he has a deal with his grandma that he can practice basketball in the morning if all of his homework is finished the night before; he is practicing basketball to be able to play professionally, to help his family get into a better living situation

1

What lesson did Roddy teach Jayden that morning?

It’s important to tackle challenges that get in the way of a goal

On the bottom of page 18, Roddy uses the word “paint”. What does this word mean on the court?

It is the rectangular area directly under the hoop, also known as the "key" or "free throw line"

Why does Jayden decide to keep the shoes?

Page 22 — His mother got them for him and left a note saying she believed he could do anything he set his mind to and that the shoes are to be a reminder of that

22

Why did Anthony pick on Tyson the year before and why was he mad that Tyson handed everything over?

Page 25 — He was hoping Tyson would put up a fuss to start a fight, but since Tyson didn’t, Anthony started the fight anyway

25

What does Anthony enjoy?

Page 27 — Creative writing

27

Explain why Coach Beck’s news was so devastating?

Page 35 — Everyone knew Hoop Group was their only opportunity to get exposure to prep schools, which were the schools they wanted to go to

35

Describe two emotions in this chapter and explain why the characters felt that way.

Page 47 — Ex. Dejected-Tamika’s father didn’t choose her to be a captain and chose Jayden over her to run Hoop Group; Pride-Coach chose Jayden to be over Hoops Group and told him he was looking forward to coaching him the most out of anyone. He complimented Jayden and told him he has real potential and to stick with basketball

47

Describe Chris’s father.

Page 50 — His name is Cam and he’s not happy that Coach Beck retired. He is cooking up a scheme so Hoops Group can continue; his brother is basketball star, Kendrick King; served time in jail for a previous scheme involving his brother and now Kendrick isn’t talking to him; jealous of his brother and is always trying to prove himself

50

Describe Dex’s home situation.

Page 54 — His mom is a single mom working full time at a diner; she’s also going to the community college to get her associate degree, so she doesn’t have a lot of time to spend with him; he cooks dinner every night and waits alone until she gets home at 8:00pm, his friends are not a good influence, so he has distanced himself from them; he watches a lot of YouTube

54

Summarize this chapter.

Page 60 — Jayden, Chris, Tamika, Dex and Anthony are the only ones who show up for Hoop Group; Tamika claimed the title of captain and the boys play two on two. Chris and Jayden start to fight and Anthony breaks it up. Chris and Jayden leave.

60

Choose a character highlighted in this chapter and describe what struggle they are facing and their attitude as they deal with it.

Page 66 — Jayden: Coach Beck stepping down from Hoop Group; he quit Tamika: discouraged since her father doesn’t believe in her; Hoop Group is going to win tournament Anthony: his mother and father are struggling with some things; this is still being developed in the story, but he copes with his struggles through poetry

66

What Hoop Group progress did Tamika make in this chapter?

Page 81 — She convinced principal Kim to be the chaperone so Hoop Group could continue

81

After Anthony shares what is happening in his family, he is surprised to see Tamika’s response. On page 94, “Anthony is frozen, weighted by the gravity of Tamika’s judgement-free acceptance.” How is gravity used in this context?

Page 94 — This is a heavy subject, and Tamika has chosen to accept Anthony and his struggles, and it really means a lot to him. He understands that her behavior is unusual and isn’t to be taken lightly

94

Why is Tamika against asking her dad for help?

Page 101 — He always discourages her and she feels rejected by him

101

Describe Hoop Group practice in this chapter.

Page 104 — Dex gets Chris to go by saying he’ll help him with his papers. Practice went well without any fighting. They realize Jayden isn’t playing in either group. Chris agrees that if they can convince Jayden to join Hoop Group, he’ll join too

104

Why does the Ballers Group feel shady to Jayden?

Page 115 — The star players were sitting on the bench most of the game; Cam might have just been telling Jayden what he wanted to hear to get him to join; they were charging money

115

How is Tamika a good leader and coach in this chapter?

Page 126 — She doesn’t worry that their team lost to 10-year-olds. She instead focuses on how they worked together and how each person has improved

126

What is one characteristic that Dex showed in this chapter. Explain.

Page 141 — Courage-to stand up for Anthony

141

Why did Chris decide to attend Hoop Group at the end of the chapter?

Page 152 — His dad said the Ballers didn’t need him and he felt let down, rejected

152

Describe the game against Austinberg and the impact it has on Jayden.

Page 156 — Hoop Group has only four players, but they kept fighting until the end even though they lost pretty significantly. Jayden was impressed with how the players on Hoop Group came together and played so well as a team. He realized how much he misses playing basketball

156

What message does Roddy give Jayden in this chapter.

Page 164 — To not lose sight of the future as he tries to figure out the present and that he needs to take care of himself before he can take care of others

164

During Tamika’s conversation with her dad, he got upset at her. What reaction do you think she was looking for?

Page 175 — She probably thought he would be proud of her for continuing Hoop Group and for what she has accomplished

175

Where did Tamika find support?

Page 178 — Her mom encouraged her to keep fighting and to show her dad she can accomplish her goals

178

Summarize this chapter.

Page 179 — It’s the morning of the Shoot, Dunk and Spin Classic and Jayden is trying to distract himself by working on his English assignment. Grams reads it and encourages him to follow his dreams. Roddy calls and asks Jayden to fill in at a pizza booth at the Classic and he accepts

179

How did Hoop Group do in the competition?

Page 186 — Tamika and Dex took first place in their contests; Chris took third and Anthony was in the middle of the pack. They were getting ready to forfeit the last competition and go home, but Tamika saw Jayden running to the judges table to sign up and join their team

186

Summarize how Jayden performs in his contest?

Page 199 — He wins! It came close but he dug deep and came out victorious

199

How has Hoop Group changed throughout the story?

Page 216 — There are less people, but those that are there are dedicated and need it. Everyone’s skill has improved and they work well together

216

Do you agree with Tamika’s words and actions towards her father? Why, or why not?

Page 217 — Listen to your child’s answer

217

What influenced Tamika to change her mind so rashly about her future and basketball?

Page 224 — Her dad’s fall and close encounter with death; she realized that what her dad thought was more important than her stubbornness

224

What influenced Coach Beck’s change of heart and his new commitment to Tamika?

Page 230 — He felt the presence of the Lord tell him to love Tamika better

230

Have you ever had an experience where you or someone you know has felt the presence of the Lord? Explain.

Listen to your child’s answer

List two exciting things that happen in this chapter.

Page 233 — Kendrick King has shown up to the game and agreed to coach the Hoop Group program; Hoop Group wins the tournament; Chris is humble and gives the play to Jayden

233

At the end of this story, Jayden wanted to think about his win, his mom’s new job and the power of hope. What does the phrase “power of hope” mean to you?

Page 247 — Listen to your child’s answer

247

What did you like about this story?

Listen to your child’s answer