Home-Field Advantage



Last updated Friday, February 17, 2012

Author: Justin Tuck
Illustrator: Leonardo Rodriguez
Date of Publication: 2011
ISBN: 1442403691
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Nov. 2011

Synopsis: Imagine the toughest, meanest-looking, strongest NFL player you can. Now imagine him as a kid who is constantly bossed and pushed around—by his five sisters! Through an array of comical scenes, NFL star and literacy advocate Justin Tuck shows that even the toughest family is a great one! Sure to appeal to a wide audience, Home-Field Advantage is a humorous testament to the importance of family.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Do you have siblings? Do you ever get bossed around by them? Have you ever played tricks on your siblings?
•  Is your family big or small? Are you an only child?

Vocabulary
•  Defensive end: football position
•  Handsome: attractive
•  Mangled: disfigured; missing pieces (in the case of his hair)

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What does family mean to you? Who are the most important people in your life?
•  What about your family are you thankful for?
•  What do you want to be when you are older?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw a picture of your siblings or your family
•  What do you want to be when you grow up? Draw a picture of whatever you want to be :)
•  Draw a picture of whatever you are thankful for in your life
•  Make a family tree

*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!