Athlete Vs. Mathlete

Analyze how Owen’s and Russell’s identities change over the course of the book. What aspects make up who each boy is at the story’s outset? Which of these aspects remain or have been discarded by the end of the book, and what do the changes say about how each character has grown? What critical moments shift how the boys view themselves? What does each of these moments offer them that they didn’t previously have, and how do their actions in these moments influence one another?

In Chapter 8, Russell equates jump shots to the egg problem from Masters of the Mind. Discuss how this collision of Russell’s worlds contributes to his character arc and identity struggles. What overarching messages does this moment offer about The Effects of Peer Pressure on how different activities are viewed—specifically why basketball is cool while Masters of the Mind is not? What traits really separate these groups, and what would need to happen to lessen the divide between them from a social standpoint?

Using the story Owen’s dad tells about his basketball friends from college, explore the intersection between skill and recognition. Is skill alone enough to get us recognized? Why or why not, and if not, what other factors play a role? Show how this concept applies to both basketball and Masters of the Mind.

Using the ideas present in Mindset Matters, compare and contrast how Owen and Russell deal with the challenges they face. How does each boy’s mindset help or hinder their ability to navigate situations toward their desired outcome? How could each change their mindset to achieve positive results faster? How do the changes their mindsets undergo throughout the novel bolster the messages present in this theme? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Discuss a symbol in the novel that has not yet been discussed in the guide. How does the symbol operate and what does it represent? Why is it important to the narrative as a whole? Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Do you agree with Coach Baxter forcing Russell to try out for the basketball team? Why or why not? If so, what about the situation and Coach Baxter’s character makes this event seem positive? If not, how could have the situation been handled differently to achieve the same result (Russell trying out)? What do Coach Baxter’s actions say about the middle school experience, as well as the relationship between kids and adults at this stage of education?

In Chapter 8, Russell finds that his friend’s house is the opposite of his own—liking basketball is the exception, rather than the rule. How does this situation challenge the ideas about stereotypes present in Athlete vs. Mathlete? Why did W.C. Mack include this scene, and how does showing a different family’s dynamic enhance the novel?

Discuss Arthur’s significance to Masters of the Mind and the story overall. What essential threats does he bring to the plot, and how does his presence help Russell and his friends overcome their struggles? What is Arthur’s greatest weakness, and what lessons does this weakness offer the reader?