Slam Dunk!

Author: Sharon Robinson

Publisher: Scholastic Press, copy write 2007
Page Count: 151

Lexile Level: 600L

Overview: 

"Elijah "Jumper" Breeze is settling into his new home in Harlem--though it hasn't been easy since his father died and his mother moved them from the suburbs.  Still, he made friends at summer camp and he's eager to see them at his new middle school. Jumper is looking forward to hitting the books and hitting the court for some serious b-ball. Then his best friend, Kelvin, talks him into running for student council and suddenly life gets a lot more complicated! He needs to out-poll Nia, his fiercest opponent in the student council race, and doesn't want to lose her friendship in the process.." --Barnes and Noble 

Suggested Delivery: Group Reading

Words or Phrases to Describe the Book:

1. Uplifting

2. Overcoming Obstacles

3. Passion

4. Friendship

5. Responsibility 

Electronic Resources:

1. Basketball Puzzle

http://www.teamopolis.com/play-sports-games-online/default.aspx?GameID=6
This site has a basketball themed puzzle which is timed to add even more fun and pressure to finish!

2. Author Interview

http://www.sharonrobinsonink.com/

Author Sharon Robinson discuss real life situations she has been in and how they affect her writing.

Key Vocabulary: 

1. Painstaking

2. Unauthorized

3. Privileges

4. Establish

5. Self Evaluate

6. Bribe

Reading Strategies:

Before:   The entire class should participate in a discussion regarding minorities and differences in people.  Discussion should lead students to understanding everyone is equal, regardless of race or social class.  

During: Students should write down any vocabulary they do not understand in each chapter.  At the end of reading time everyday, reading groups should work together to use dictionaries to look up the definitions of the words.

After: In reading groups, discuss how having a mutual interest (in this case basketball) can bring people together and help them get along. 

Writing Activity:  Making speeches can be nerve wracking for many people.  Imagine you are running for student council.  Write a three minute speech informing classmates of the ways you would help your school.

Resources:

Barnes and Noble, . (n.d.). In Slam dunk!. Retrieved August 13, 2012, from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/slam-dunk-sharon-robinson/1105865252

Robinson, S. (2007). Slam dunk!. New York: Scholastic Press.

Scholastic, . (n.d.). In Slam dunk!. Retrieved August 13, 2012, from http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/book/slam-dunk-1