Summary
The main character has been dreaming of preforming the perfect cannonball during the summer season. Everyone around him can do a cannonball. After many times of trial and error, the main character thinks about how doing a perfect cannon ball may not be in his future. There are many people that give him suggestions on what to do to create the perfect cannonball. However, even with others advice, he is still not able to cannonball. He is only able to do a cannonball, when he believes in himself.
Theme(s):
Family, Self-esteem, Friendship, Encouragement
Personal Response
This is a lovely book about encouagement through friendship and support. Many friends at the pool could do all types of cannonballs, however, the main character could not. After time and time again, listening to advice and encouragement from others, the main character still is struggling and feels sad. After listening to a friends advice to do the cannonball whichever way feels comfortable and confident to them, the main character succeeds.
Teaching Ideas
Using this book, I would generate with students how to alleviate anxiety about trying something new. I would ask students to think about perspective. Think about how you would feel as the main character struggling to get this cannonball. How would you encourage or motivate yourself to keep trying. I would ask students to think about this from the point of view of someone who is helping someone else who is struggling. What kind of advice would you give to that person?
Recommended Reading Level
Birth-PreK, Grade 01, Grade 02
