District 13

Before the Snap

Teacher Resource Guide CD

Product Code SW7789 ( MR #061020 )

*Not available separately (package component only)

Finding the “right book” for struggling readers is essential to build both confidence and proficiency. Reading supports must be seamless, so that struggling readers are not stigmatized.

The District 13 series does just that—written using carefully chosen vocabulary and simple sentences, the novels offer compelling teen stories about characters that interest young adult readers. Using sports as a backdrop, these edgy and mature titles confront issues that are of great importance to urban teens, especially teenage boys: Coming of age, dating, fitting in, friendships, drugs, self-esteem, and school. Straightforward plots move readers through the 48 pages of text quickly and efficiently with satisfying resolutions.

Fighting the Legend - No one ever caught Ty in the open. Ty jogged back to the huddle. His teammates slapped his back. Ty was their star running back. But he hadn’t been running well lately. At the snap, Ty broke right again. But he tripped and fell. The ball bounced away.

Line Up - Jamal ran around the hurdles. Daniel wanted to jump them. Hurdles are smaller than trash cans. He cleared one. Then another. Then another. Line up. Jump. Clear. Just like basketball. But easier. Jamal won. But it was okay.

No Easy Race - Central Avenue was close now. Victor knew he had to dig in. There was a place deep inside him. It’s where his speed came from. He didn’t understand it. But he trusted it. He finished one-step ahead of Marcos.

Taking Control - They all walked to the court. Uncle Robert passed the ball to Patrice. She stepped toward the baseline. She looked so natural. She shot the ball.

Nothing but net. Akil’s jaw dropped. “Can you do that again?” The answer was yes.

Wings - Angel never forgot a batter’s swing. Angel watched the pitch. Crack! The ball flew into the night sky. Angel called it right away. “I’ve got it,” he thought. He felt connected to it. He had a way of judging fly balls. Coach Benson said he “had the gift.”

Second Shot - Wallace was worried. This was nothing like at his old school. He wasn't giving up basketball. Not for bullies. Not for anyone. He messed up at his old school. This was his last shot. He'd just have to watch his back.

Before the Snap - Derrick was as bag of nerves the next day. He kept dropping passes at practice. Amber Linn's news really rattled him. Needless to say, Colton was thrilled. "What's the matter, Big D? Can't hang onto the ball today?"

Down and Out - Terrance thought about football. He was sore from practice. That was good. Coach Fisher said his blocks were better. He'd get to play in the game! Coach was right about football. You've got to have something to work for. It makes you work at everything.

The Handoff - All Xavier heard was two laps. He just started running! He ran the first lap as fast as he could. He passed everyone! But by the second, he was winded. It was hard to breathe. He had no energy. Everyone passed him.

Hit Just Right - The pitching machine hurled the first pitch. It was just like at the cages! Carlos was comfortable. He lifted his left leg slightly. Then he turned his hips to the ball. He swung the bat. Crack!