Happy 16th Birthday to my oldest son, Wesley! He loves baseball, and I cannot imagine how many hours I have spent at the baseball diamond, park, or backyard watching him play. He has been an enjoyment!
Being drawn to the sport, I collect baseball stories. I was intrigued with this book when I visited the bookstore earlier this spring, Michael’s Golden Rules. Knowing the excellent text, Salt in His Shoes, I was delighted with the storyline in this new one. Michael Jordan shares some insight into his winning attitude as he addresses the reader with a page-length introduction. Michael shares that he is best known for his basketball skills, yet baseball was his first pick.
Michael shares that he always felt like a winner because he followed the ten golden rules. Those rules helped him on the court and in life. Deloris Jordan and Roslyn Jordan give us a snapshot into Michael’s little league days. His friend, Jonathan, is having trouble with playing and so his uncle shares the rules. The text gives you snapshots of the boys talking about the game and life and applying the rules. Although they do not win the big game, Jonathan feels like a winner.
I’ve learned it takes heart to come out a winner every time, whether you win or lose. MJ
I read this book to a fourth grade class this past spring, and they enjoyed it. The boys were attentive and listened. We talked about how the rules could be applied to the classroom. It is an excellent text for building classroom community as well as boosting their self-confidence in learning. Here a few of the rules:
- Pay attention to the coach at all times.
- Be a team player.
- Practice a winning attitude.
- Learn from your mistakes.
Savorings for reading and in writing for Michael’s Golden Rules:
- Stretching the important scenes
- Character traits
- Internal Conflict and thinking
- Play by play sections – this is a good mentor text for kids who like to tell about the “entire” game. It shows how to fast-forward over slow parts and stretch the important scenes with conversation and internal thinking
- Teaching perseverance
Book Savors 