Admiral Nelson (Who Was...?)
Who was? Series
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
No one ever imagined that a weak, skinny boy like Horatio Nelson would be able to survive the hardships of life at sea. But he did. In fact he grew up to become a great naval hero, the man who saved Britain from invasion by the dreaded Napoleon. This is his story; No one ever imagined that a weak, skinny boy like Horatio Nelson would be able to survive the hardships of life at sea. But he did. In fact he grew up to become a great naval hero, the man who saved Britain from invasion by the dreaded Napoleon. He lost an arm in battle, but never let that hold him back. He was brilliant on ships, clumsy on land, ferocious in battle, knew fear but overcame it, and never, ever took no for an answer.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Horatio Nelson
Discussion points
What qualities do you think made Admiral Nelson a remarkable leader?
How do you think Admiral Nelson felt during his major sea battles?
What can we learn from the challenges Admiral Nelson faced?
How do you think teamwork played a part in Admiral Nelson's victories?
If you could ask Admiral Nelson one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to consider the historical context of Admiral Nelson’s adventures to better understand his decisions and actions.
While discussing the book, relate Admiral Nelson’s leadership qualities to everyday scenarios your child might encounter, such as teamwork in sports or group school projects.
Ask your child to draw parallels between Admiral Nelson's challenges and any difficulties they might have faced, exploring how courage and leadership can lead to positive outcomes.
Invite your child to imagine being a sailor under Admiral Nelson's command, discussing what traits they would find most inspiring in a leader.
Focus on the moral and ethical questions the book raises, asking your child how they would navigate similarly tough choices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Leadership and Responsibility
Explanation: The book portrays Admiral Nelson's role as a leader in the Navy, highlighting his decision-making abilities and courage during battles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of being responsible and making thoughtful decisions, applying these skills in group projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through Adversity
Explanation: Admiral Nelson faced numerous challenges, including losing an arm and suffering from seasickness, yet he continued to lead effectively.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to persist despite difficulties, whether in their studies, learning new skills, or dealing with personal challenges.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Strategy
Explanation: The narrative covers how Nelson's strategic thinking led to key naval victories, emphasizing thoughtful planning and tactics.
Real-World Application: Kids can use strategic thinking to solve problems, plan ahead in their activities, and make smarter decisions.
Example Lesson: Learning from History
Explanation: The book provides historical context about naval warfare and British history, fostering a deeper understanding of the past.
Real-World Application: Children can become more informed about history, enhancing their cultural awareness and understanding of historical impacts on the present.