A Traveller in Time
What’s inside...
Penelope Taberner Cameron is a solitary and sickly child, a reader and a dreamer. Her mother, believing that Penelope is too attached to her imagination, sends her away from London to the countryside for fresh air. In remote Derbyshire at Thackers, Penelope finds herself mysteriously traveling back and forth between modern and Elizabethan times. She becomes part of a family plotting to free Mary, Queen of Scots, from imprisonment by Queen Elizabeth. Despite knowing the tragic fate of the Scottish queen, Penelope is unable to change the course of events or convince her new family of the hopelessness of their cause. Torn between present and past, Penelope grapples with questions of freedom and fate, realizing that time travel brings a profound sense of solitude. Yet, she also senses a greater ongoing life that transcends time, beautifully depicted by Alison Uttley.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you do if you found yourself transported back in time like Penelope?
How do you think living in the past was different from today? What would be the most challenging adjustment for you?
Why do you think Penelope felt a connection to the people she met in the past?
How do the choices made by characters in the book affect their futures?
What lessons can we learn about history and its impact on our present lives from Penelope's experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set the scene by discussing what it might feel like to wake up in a totally different time period. This helps make the concept more relatable.
Encourage imagination by asking your child how they would creatively solve problems if they lived in another time with different resources.
Discuss the concept of history as a story where every small part counts, connecting it to how each person’s actions in the book contribute to the larger narrative.
Use historical differences highlighted in the book to explain what has changed over time and why, teaching your child about progress and development.
Emphasize empathy by posing questions about how Penelope must have felt in various situations, and ask your child how they might feel in similar circumstances.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the importance of history and cultural heritage
Explanation: In 'A Traveller in Time', the protagonist Penny travels back to the Elizabethan era, exploring historical events and gaining insights into her own family's past.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and preserve their own cultural heritage, understanding the impact of history on their current lives.
Example Lesson: Developing empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: Through her interactions with characters from a different time period, Penny demonstrates empathy and learns to see the world from various viewpoints.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate diverse perspectives and foster empathy towards people with different backgrounds and experiences.
Example Lesson: The impact of one’s actions on others
Explanation: As Penny navigates her way through the past, her actions inadvertently affect the course of history, illustrating how interconnected and impactful personal decisions can be.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn that their actions have consequences, teaching them to think about how their behavior affects others around them and to act responsibly.
Example Lesson: Bravery and courage in unfamiliar situations
Explanation: Faced with the unknown and the challenges of time travel, Penny shows bravery and courage, adapting to the new circumstances while trying to make positive changes.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own challenges with bravery, whether it's starting a new school, standing up for a friend, or trying a new activity.