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S.O.R. Losers



Last updated Monday, November 6, 2006

Author: Avi
Date of Publication: 2000
ISBN: 0689841574
Grade Level: 4th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Nov. 2006

Synopsis: The South Orange River (S.O.R.) School is big on sports and famous for not losing a game all season. That all changes when the school insists that some seventh-grader non-jocks form a soccer team. The new team is sure that losing their first game 32-0 will put an end to their athletic adventure, but no such luck. their parents insist they try harder. The whole school cheers them on, and the finally score...for the other team. And only the eleven members of the S.O.R. Losers team know the secret of their outstanding "success."

Note to readers:
•  This is a chapter book, but the chapters are short and read quickly. You should be able to read at least through Chapter 7.
•  On page 41 (and later), the narrator mentions ?the sex talk.? Please skip this paragraph.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What is an acronym? What does the acronym S.O.R. stand for? What is the double meaning for S.O.R. Losers?
•  What does it mean to be a sore loser? What do you think this book is about?
•  Why is attitude important to sports? What is a defeatist attitude? How can this affect how you play?
•  Has anyone ever made you do something you didn?t want to do? How did you feel? Did you have a good attitude or a bad attitude? Do you think your attitude made you feel better or worse?
•  If you?re in a bad mood, what kinds of things help cheer you up? Who helps you? If you?re playing a sport, how can your team help you? How can your school help you?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What do you think the real message of the book is? Were the players really sore losers? Who in the book was a sore loser?
•  Name someone you know who is perfect at everything. Is there anyone who is good at everything?
•  What are some things people try to make you be better at? Do they have a good reason? Why or why not? What is a good reason for playing sports? What are some bad reasons?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a banner or sign to support your school team or your favorite team. What kinds of things would you write to encourage your team when they are ready to give up?

Special activities:
•  Have the students come up with acronyms that they would use for their team.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!