Abigail Adams, Pirate of the Caribbean (Time Twisters)
#2 of 4 in Time Twisters Series
What’s inside...
In the Time Twisters series by Steve Sheinkin, history and humor intertwine as historical figures decide to take action after overhearing students say 'history is boring.' In this second installment, First Lady Abigail Adams grows tired of her domestic duties in the White House and escapes to become a pirate in the Caribbean. Siblings Abby and Doc must navigate a twisted timeline to fix history before it's too late, encountering challenges and famous figures who have also left their mark on time.
Discussion points
What do you think Abigail Adams would do if she met a real pirate?
How is Abigail Adams' adventure similar or different to what we know about the real Abigail Adams?
What qualities do you admire in Abigail and why?
If you could travel back in time like the characters in Time Twisters, where would you go and what would you do?
What lessons can we learn from mixing historical facts with fictional fun?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by summarizing the real history of Abigail Adams before diving into the fictional tale to set context.
Encourage your child to imagine their own historical adventure story featuring another historical figure they admire.
Discuss the importance of bravery and leadership, traits exhibited by Abigail, and ask your child how they can apply these in their own life.
Use the book’s playful twist on history to discuss the difference between factual history and creative storytelling.
After reading, watch a documentary or read another book about Abigail Adams to compare how she is portrayed in different sources.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Historical Knowledge
Explanation: Abigail Adams and her time-twisting adventures instill a playful yet informative take on historical events and figures.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge to better understand and appreciate their history lessons at school, fostering a lifelong interest in history.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters in the book often find themselves in tricky situations where they have to think on their feet and solve problems creatively.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach challenges in their day-to-day lives with a problem-solving mindset, enhancing their decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: Abigail Adams shows bravery and resilience in face of the challenges during her pirate adventures, inspiring readers.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of facing fears and overcoming obstacles, helping them to develop resilience in their personal lives, at school, and in interactions with peers.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must work together to navigate the high seas and historical landscapes, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of collaboration and how working together can help solve complex problems.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The imaginative premise of combining historical figures with whimsical adventures fosters creativity in young readers.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination not just in play, but also in creative thinking and problem-solving in real-world scenarios.