Zayd is desperate to be on the gold basketball team, but his parents think violin lessons are more important. After he makes a mistake that nearly costs him the chance to try out for the team, he learns to stand up for what he really wants.
Power Forward
Discuss the Book
Dreams of Gold
Chapters 1–5
- Important Moment: Zayd skips orchestra practice in order to play basketball with his friends.
- Ask and Share: Do you think Zayd made a mistake when he decided to skip orchestra practice? Have you ever had to choose between something you wanted to do and something you were supposed to do? How did you handle it?
Big Trouble
Chapters 6–10
- Important Moment: Zayd’s mother finds out he skipped orchestra practice and forbids him from playing basketball for two weeks.
- Ask and Share: Do you think that Zayd’s punishment is fair or unfair? What advice would you give him?
Can I Go?
Chapters 11–15
- Important Moment: Zayd’s uncle Jamal encourages him to stand up for what he wants, and Zayd has a talk with his parents about basketball.
- Ask and Share: Have you ever had to stand up for something you wanted to do the way that Zayd does? How did you handle the situation?
Making It
Chapters 16–19
- Important Moment: Zayd is able to participate in basketball tryouts. He practices at night, makes smart decisions during tryouts, and makes the team.
- Ask and Share: What do you think helps Zayd make the team? Think of a goal you want to accomplish. What advice do you think Zayd would give you?