Classroom & Discussion Guide
Paradise Found: Big Dreams, Strong Kicks
by Eileen Lubore · Illustrated by Diego Chávez · Ages 6-12
Themes: Big dreams, determination, teamwork and believing in yourself
About the Book
A story of big dreams and even bigger determination — where heart, hustle, and believing in yourself can take you places you never imagined.
Before Reading
- What is a big dream you have?
- What does it mean to work hard for something?
- Do you play a sport or have a hobby you practice?
Discussion Questions
- What is the main character’s big dream?
- What challenges get in the way, and how are they faced?
- Who helps along the way? Why do we need people who believe in us?
- What does “heart and hustle” mean to you?
- What is one thing you can practice this week to get closer to your dream?
Vocabulary
- determination
- not giving up even when things are hard
- teamwork
- working together to reach a goal
- practice
- doing something again and again to get better
- confidence
- believing in yourself
- goal
- something you work toward (and a place to score in soccer!)
Activities
- Dream Ladder: Draw a ladder. Write your big dream at the top and small steps to reach it on each rung.
- Team Pep Talk: Write an encouraging message a coach or teammate might say before a big game.
- Move & Count: Do 10 toe taps, 10 jumps and 10 passes with a ball. Track how many you can do in a minute.
Curriculum Connections
Physical Education · Social-Emotional Learning · Writing · Math (counting & tracking)