September: Adventure/Survival
The Contender
Activity #1: (SPEAKING) Alfred and James were best friends for many years
before their lives went down separate paths. Alfred felt responsible for
James and tried to help his friend numerous times throughout the novel.
Discuss your views with the class about friendship and the responsibility
friends have for each other's actions. When and how do you feel that it's
appropriate to seek help for a friend who is into self-destructive behaviors?
Activity #2: (WRITING) Alfred's coach felt that it was more important
to be a contender than to be a champion. Do you agree with this view? Why
or why not? Write a short essay explaining the difference, in your opinion,
between a contender and a champion. Be sure to explain which you think is
more important.
Activity #3: (ART) Put together a collage of photographs that show both
contenders and champions. Label your images and explain what each represents.
The Contender by Robert Lipsyste was published in 1967 by Harper
Collins Children's Books, NY NY. | 
