The theme is the way for students to connect to a timeless novel such as "The Contender." Pose thematic questions to students and have them do journal quick writes and pair shares to explore how they might relate to the events in the novel. Here are some possible questions: What sports figures have used their athletic prowess to find their way up and out of the situation in which they grew up? What dream do you have for your future? What is your plan for achieving that dream? Why do some students drop out of high school?
What opportunities are available for those who drop out? Why do some people get involved with drugs, while others in similar situations don't? What makes someone a "good" person or a "bad" person?
Have students write down what they know or have heard about the 1960s and Harlem, as well as at least three questions questions they have about it. Collect their comments and questions and spend some time addressing them while explaining the social, spiritual and political situation of the time, including black nationalism and racism. Bring in major headlines or artifacts pertinent to the discussion and use phrases such as "Imagine if..." or "How would you feel if..." Afterward, hand back their papers and have them write three new things that they learned and the answers to their questions. For an extended learning experience, have them compare the struggles of minorities in 1960s Harlem to life today.
Offer a brief explanation of the main characters and the connections between them. Hand out a character map using arrows to show relationships as well as space for brief descriptions of each. Students can use to take notes during introductory activities or complete as they read the novel, depending on their reading ability. Pay special attention to Alfred Brooks, Mr. Donatelli, James Mosely, Henry Johnson, Bill "Spoon" Witherspoon, Cousin Jeff, the Epstein brothers, Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Wilson and Aunt Pearl.
Because the novel was written about a time and place with very specific dialect, many students will need to be familiarized with some of the terms. Define the people, places and terms used, and try to incorporate their use in your discussion of the novel. Pay special attention to these terms: big cats, boardwalk, Coney Island, Cassius Clay the Garden, Joe Louis, The Man, Lenox, medicine balls, nationalist rally, slipped the jab, showed some dog, and racketeers.