Fair Ball

By Derek Jeter

Reading Group Guide

A Reading Group Guide to

Fair Ball

by Derek Jeter with Paul Mantell

Discussion Questions

Chapter 1—Playoffs!

Derek Jeter has a lot to look forward to. The Indians, his baseball team, are competing in the Westwood Little League playoffs; his best friend, Dave, is going to sleep over; and Derek is excited about the plans to visit his grandparents in New Jersey during the upcoming summer break. With the season playoffs approaching, team and player expectations are high. Can the Indians win and secure the team’s chance to compete for the Kalamazoo Trophy? What could go wrong?

Describe and discuss a time when you or a family member were anticipating a great event or trip. Did everything go as expected? If so, how did you contribute to its success? If not, briefly explain what went wrong.

In The Contract, Hit & Miss and Change Up, the first three books in the series, we are reminded that Derek’s parents established a contract to ensure he succeeds in school and accomplishes his life dreams. This contract lists several expectations and carries consequences for breaking the rules. Fair Ball has examples of that as well. Have you discussed writing a contract with your parents?

Also in Fair Ball, Derek realizes that sometimes in life when your joys and expectations are so high, something may happen that seems unfair.

Share an incident or event when everything was going great and then it all changed through no fault of your own. How did you respond?

Chapter 2—The Best-Laid Plans

Derek is working hard to live up to the section on his contract of “Do Your Schoolwork and Maintain Good Grades (As or Bs).” However, finding time to study for his finals and practice baseball seems difficult for Derek. As the end of school approaches, there is a need to practice more for the pending playoffs. How does Derek plan to help his teammates prepare for the upcoming Little League Championship games? Briefly explain what happens.

Mrs. Jeter reminds Derek that his birthday is coming up soon, and she wants to know what he would like for a present. Derek decides that he wants to take a friend with him to visit his grandparents’ house during the summer.

Describe in a travel journal format a visit to see relatives or family friends. Where did you go, what did you do? How long did it take to get there? Were you alone or did you travel with someone?

Chapter 3—Trouble Brewing

Derek is upset when he plans an unofficial afterschool baseball practice on Jeter Hill with his teammates, but his friends Gary and Dave do not come. The next day at school, they both offer excuses for their absences. Which excuse seemed more appropriate? What would you have done? How do you feel if something you plan does not get the results you were looking for? How would you approach your friends about the matter?

Derek finds it hard to focus on his school homework because he is worried about his friend Dave’s recent and unusual behavior. What is going on with him? Why has his behavior seemed so distant and curious? Have you ever had an incident with a friend that reminds you of this problem between Derek and Dave?

Chapter 4—Breaking News

Gary, one of Derek’s teammates, is upset because his mother signed him up to take karate classes, and he really does not want to go. Derek advises him to make the best of it because “Life isn’t always fair.” Can you think of a time when something like this happened to you? Share your situation with a classmate in a one-on-one exchange session. Offer advice for their dilemma and listen to their advice for your issue.

Derek suspects that his friend Dave is keeping something from him. Fear of receiving disappointing news has caused Derek to be distracted and moody at a time when he needs to be sharp and focused. What should Derek do to get it together and resolve his suspicions?

Chapter 5—Storm Clouds

Just before a big game, Dave backs out on a promised commitment with Derek without a legitimate excuse. This last-minute change in plans devastates Derek, and he loudly challenges his friend regarding the broken promise. With no time to resolve the matter, Derek fumes. What would you do if you were faced with a sudden change of plans with a friend that you were looking forward to? What would be your first reaction? Be specific.

As a good friend, Derek already knew that something was wrong with Dave. Can you generally tell when something is wrong with a good friend or sibling? List a few easily observed behavioral signs that can let you know when a friend or loved one is going through a difficult time or having a bad day.

Chapter 6—Battleground

After their encounter, Dave and Derek seemed to find it hard to get into the game. Their problems distracted them and adversely affected their performance. Neither player was performing at his best, and they were in real jeopardy of losing the game. What would you suggest as the best option for Derek and for Dave? And for the coaches?

Even if you try your best, sometimes situations may still get out of control through no fault of your own. It’s important to recognize this and still do your best. Share an incident at school that was clearly out of your control but affected you directly. Was there any other way that the problem could have been resolved? What did you learn from it?

Chapter 7—Tricks and Tests

Sharlee, Derek’s sister, was having a wonderful time at her beginner karate class. She was a jubilant bundle of energy as she demonstrated her kicks and punches. Derek enjoyed taking time out to spar with his sister, even allowing her to flip him. Why was this an important opportunity for Derek, even if it was a trick move? What did he learn from spending a few quality moments with his little sister?

Taking finals at the end of the school year is extremely important. Derek and each of his friends, particularly Gary, know how important it is to study hard for each exam. Why is it beneficial to clear your mind of all distractions when taking an exam?

Chapter 8—What Lies Beneath?

There is a phrase “Put on your Game Face.” Look up the definition of Game Face and explain how this expression applies to the Indians, Derek’s Little League baseball team, and offer examples.

In the final days of school before summer break, Gary and Dave come to class each day distracted and looking grim. Derek can sense that something is wrong. However, Derek’s father reminds him “We can only control our own selves, our own actions.” Why is this advice important? Derek’s mom also offers him sound advice about his dilemma. What do you think she meant about “being a good friend and being true to yourself”?

Chapter 9—Friends and Finals

Derek’s close friend and supporter, Vijay, studied with him for the end of school exams. During one of their after-school study sessions, Vijay encouraged his friend not to be upset over Dave’s recent bizarre behavior. He reminded him that you can’t force someone to like you or to be a good friend. Why was this message from Vijay particularly important?

Conflicts with good friends happen all the time. What do you think it means to be a good friend? Do you have a best friend? How do you know? Discuss.

Chapter 10—Victory and Defeat

It was the day of the big game, and the energy from both teams was very high. This game would determine which team would make it to the finals. Coach Jeter decided to switch up some of the positions. Derek was asked to pitch and then to play in the outfield. How did this make Derek feel? Why do you think Coach Jeter did this? Was this unfair? Discuss.

Conflicts with Dave, his best friend, continue to plague Derek. He needs to focus if he is going to do his best. An unfortunate encounter with Dave after the game confirms that something is truly wrong. He tries to resolve it. What does Derek do? How would you have handled Dave’s obvious resistance to friendship? Can you figure out what is wrong with Dave?

Chapter 11—What’s the Difference?

Sharlee, Derek’s little sister, is studying diversity in her class. Her mother offers a simple explanation to Sharlee’s question, “What’s diversity?” Explain your thoughts about diversity and discuss some examples of diversity you’ve encountered, witnessed or experienced in your life.

Chapter 12—A World of Difference

As part of a class assignment on diversity, Sharlee spent a day visiting a college class where her father, Coach Jeter, teaches. She had an experience that really opened her eyes. What was the experience, and what did she learn from it? What did you learn about diversity?

Coach Jeter took time to talk to his son privately about the complexities of diversity. He emphasized that the overall issues are much more complicated than the differences Derek had heard discussed with Sharlee. Listening to his dad, Derek was reminded of the troubles with his best friend, Dave. Could their differences be the main reason for Dave’s bizarre behavior? Derek could not understand why Dave refused to visit his home or hang out like he used to do. What would you do think was going on with Dave if you were in Derek’s position? What would you do to resolve the situation?

Chapter 13—What Is a Friend?

After school, near the end of a hectic week of exams, Vijay and Derek go to Jeter Hill to practice their game. With no one else around, they have a serious conversation about what it means to be a good friend. Vijay thinks that a good friend will always find a way to spend time with his best friend. Compile a list of one-word definitions that describe a true friend. Compare your list with the other classmates.

One example of being a good friend could mean standing up for one another when faced with adversity, or when critical support is needed. When confronted by two bullies in the hallway at school, Gary is backed into trouble, a recipient of jeers and name-calling. Derek steps into the hostile situation and defends his friend against the abuse. Share a similar personal situation where this type of bullying may have occurred. What did you learn from the encounter? What was the result?

Chapter 14—This Magic Moment

“Life is just not fair” always seems to be the cry when something goes wrong, particularly when it’s not your fault. This feeling is especially true when you are blamed for something that you did not do. Please discuss or create a situation in which you were falsely accused of something or blamed for a project failure that was not your fault.

Derek and the Indians were playing the Giants in the finals for the Westwood Little League Championship. It was a crucial game, and Derek knew that he had to perform his best. How do you think Derek felt when he stepped into the batter’s box with the game on the line? Write a brief essay that emphasizes a personal or group experience in which the final result depended on you. What did you do to prepare for this moment? What was the result?

Chapter 15—Breaking Point

Sometimes you must break out of your comfort zone to resolve a dilemma on your own, no matter what the cost. Dave reached out to Derek in friendship by making an unexpected move of defiance. What did he do? What were the results?

In an effort to restore his friendship with Derek, Dave knowingly broke the rules by disobeying his parents. Was this a good idea? What did his behavior tell you about Dave and what he was going through? What else could he have done? Share a problematic situation that may have caused you to reach a breaking point. What happened? How was the situation resolved?

Chapter 16—Moment of Truth

Why do you think this chapter was titled “Moment of Truth?” Offer a specific and detailed response.

Derek’s mom and Dave’s mom finally meet face-to-face. They have a brief but seriously important discussion about differences, barriers, and assumptions. When conflicts surface, often the best solution is to talk things out. How did the “Meeting of the Moms” resolve the friendship situation with Dave and Derek? Create a dialogue scenario between the mothers and their sons. Suggest an alternative process to resolve this problem. What else could have happened?

When Dave’s mom asked Coach Chase to drive her to Derek’s home to pick up her son, tensions appeared high and uncertain. What do you think Dave’s mom was concerned about? What about Derek’s mom? Do you think they had similar or different feelings?

Chapter 17—Endings and Beginnings

Derek finally realized that no matter how hard you wish or work for something, you cannot always be in control of every situation. If things do not go the way you want them to go, you should learn to adjust, refocus, and control what you can control: your own behavior. Even if life is not always fair, what lessons can be learned from your mistakes or your successes?

Aided by skilled last-minute maneuvers from their MVP Derek Jeter, the Indians won the Kalamazoo Trophy! At the ice cream awards party, each player received a trophy and enthusiastic congratulations from the coaches. Derek was surprised with a birthday cake. He was also happy to see his family and Dave’s parents relaxed and enjoying the celebration. It was beginning to look like a great ending to a complex and challenging school year. What were some of the tough lessons that Sharlee, Derek, and his parents learned? Pick just one lesson and apply it to your own situation at school or home. Write this lesson in the form of a personal goal strategy, and then share it with someone close to you, such as a parent, sibling, or good friend. Ask them to hold you accountable for your goal. In one year, ask them to share this strategic lesson learned today with you again and see what kind of difference it has made in your life. Trust the process.

Extension Activities

Ask readers to review Derek Jeter’s 10 Life Lessons. They are listed in the front of each book in the series and on his website: http://mlb.mlb.com/players/jeter_derek/kids/handbook.jsp.

LIFE IS NOT FAIR

Refer to the Blue eyed-Brown eyed project. Over thirty years ago, Jane Elliott--America’s foremost diversity educator, internationally known teacher and the recipient of the National Mental Health Association Award for Excellence in Education--conducted a startling and controversial, yet now acclaimed, exercise with third graders exposing prejudice and bigotry yielding dramatic results. The exercise offered an intense examination of the realities of discrimination via a simple division of class indicating superiority and inferiority based solely on the color of the students’ eyes.

Created in response to an 8-year-old inquiry about the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., educators using this classroom exercise will find this an eye-opening opportunity to emphasize the dangers of discrimination. Announce one day that all of the blue-eyed students can sit comfortably at the front on the class, but the brown-eyed or green-eyed students must stand in the back for the rest of the class period. Explain that this is an experiment in discrimination, and offer further rules for the day that offer the blue-eyes more privileges and the others less, i.e. longer recess time, use of certain utensils or toys forbidden by the latter group, etc. In a few days or hours, depending on the length of your planned group exercise, switch the privileges and the penalties. You will see a marked difference in behavior. The research documented by Elliott is critical to review thoroughly before application in the classroom. Written learning guides and media materials are available online at www.janeelliott.com.

Emphasize to the students that the lessons Derek Jeter and his friends and family learned and shared in Fair Ball are still important today. Understanding diversity at an early age and how we may be different from our friends, neighbors or teachers will help us to be more empathetic and sensitive to the ever-present problems of racial and social injustice.

LIFE SAVERS COME IN MANY COLORS

CLASSROOM ICEBREAKER ASSIGNMENT: Prepare individual index cards with quotes from civil rights leaders or human rights advocates (a few sample quotes are listed in the appendix). As students enter the classroom, give each one a card with an individually wrapped Life Saver taped on the back and a famous quote on the front. Immediately warn them not to open their candy until they are given instructions for the upcoming activity; learning to follow instructions and practice patience will be one of the lessons emphasized here. When each of the students has received a Life Saver card, ask them to locate the work table matching the color of the Life Saver they were given. In advance, prepare each classroom table with a large (8 x 10) stand-up sign with an image of a colorful Life Saver on the front and discussion questions on the back. Prepare at least ten work stations. Each table should feature a different flavor, but the discussion instructions should be the same. Allow a few moments for students to find their selective work spaces. Ask them to choose a discussion leader at their table. The discussion leader reads the printed instructions and then encourages each student to read and share the quote printed on their Life Saver card. At the end of the round table exercise, students are invited to eat their candy. To extend this exercise, if time permits, ask students to switch to a different table with a different flavor than their initial Life Saver color.

UNDERSTANDING OTHERS EXERCISE

LARGE GROUP ACTIVITY: Reader’s Theater, “Frog and Snake.” We know children often ask “why” when they do not understand the rules. Derek could not understand why his friend Dave was not allowed to be best friends with him anymore; he could not figure out the reason for the change in Dave’s behavior. Most of the time, parents and care providers establish rules of behavior to keep their young loved ones safe and protected. However, in most cases of prejudice or racism, we find that our rules may only be based on partial facts or social norms and unexplainable innuendo. Prejudicial behavior could also be based on a lack of clear understanding about a particular class or culture. This lack of understanding usually prevents the possibility of making well-informed decisions. Cultural awareness workshops are often needed to bridge this gap.

Introduce the African folktale “Why Frogs and Snakes Never Play Together” to the classroom. See this sample Pourquoi tale (pronounced “por-kwa”) a story of origins, taken from the Teaching Tolerance website. A Reader’s Theater version is attached in the appendix for group use.

Using a narrator to carry the tale is recommended. Engage the entire class or a large group to act out the parts. Cast the play by selecting a few students to be the frog siblings and a few to be the snake siblings. There are several other positions that may be used to guarantee full class participation. Schedule time for them to practice and perform the story. Refer to Teaching Tolerance (www.teachingtolerance.org) for more detailed and age-appropriate story performance details, discussion questions, and alternative endings. This exercise is recommended for use with upper grade levels.

After the presentation, open the dialogue by asking a few discussion questions, such as:

What did the young frog and snake do when they met each other for the first time in the forest?

What did they learn later in the evening from their parents when they shared their encounter?

What do you think would have happened if the frog and snake had continued to play together and ignored their parents’ warnings?

What did the young frog and snake do at the very end of the story that brings us hope? Why?

In Fair Ball, Derek’s and Dave’s mothers eventually meet and come to an agreement about the boys’ friendship. Discuss whether this kind of encounter would have made a difference with the young frog and snake.

Conclude the activity by passing out the lyrics and playing the classic song “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught” from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAZ8yOFFbAc). Barbara Streisand also has an updated version of this song, if the black and white version is not preferable. Locate her rendition on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZSt1pgjQdk.

Guide written in 2017 by Chrystal Carr Jeter of Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library (no relation to Derek Jeter or his family).

This guide has been provided by Simon & Schuster for classroom, library, and reading group use. It may be reproduced in its entirety or excerpted for these purposes.