Little Shaq
by Shaquille O’Neal (Author) and Theodore Taylor (Illustrator)
Booktalk: The BIG Picture
When Little Shaq and his cousin Barry accidentally break their favorite video game, they need to find a way to replace it. That’s when Little Shaq’s science project inspires a solution: a gardening business. They can water their neighbors’ gardens to raise money for a new game! Little Shaq and Barry make a great team both on and off the basketball court, but will their business be as successful as they hoped?
#kidlit Writing Lesson: the small details
There are three chapters in this early chapter book. Chapter one ends this way:
“But what about the video game?” Little Shaq asked. “It’s still broken.”
“Well,” said Dad. “If you boys want a new game, you’ll have to work together to earn it.”
Little Shaq looked over at Barry. He didn’t know how they were going to do that.
At the end of this “set up” chapter, the story problem is quite clear:
“But what about the video game?” Little Shaq asked. “It’s still broken.”
Notice that the adult does NOT solve the problem:
“Well,” said Dad. “If you boys want a new game, you’ll have to work together to earn it.”
As the chapter ends, the main character has a new goal, but no idea how to reach that goal.
Little Shaq looked over at Barry. He didn’t know how they were going to do that.
Copyright © 2016 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved.
