Blackbeard's Last Fight
on Goodreads (34)
What’s inside...
In 1718, off the coast of North Carolina, a young cabin boy named Jeremy Hobbs assists in the final capture and execution of the notorious pirate, Blackbeard. Jeremy, who has heard both horror stories and tales of admiration about Blackbeard, accompanies Lieutenant Maynard on a mission to eliminate the pirate. As they approach Blackbeard's ship, Jeremy experiences fear and uncertainty, unsure if they are doing the right thing. The story, illustrated with bold acrylic paintings, presents a thrilling adventure where the lines between hero and villain are blurred.
Discussion points
Why do you think Blackbeard became a pirate? What other choices could he have made?
What do you think about the choices Blackbeard made during his last fight? How would you have handled the situation differently?
How do the other characters in the story react to Blackbeard? What does this tell us about his impact on others?
What do you think the treasure represents in the story? Is it always something material?
How did the ending of the story make you feel? What do you think the author wanted us to learn from Blackbeard's story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to make the story come alive, altering your voice for different characters and emphasizing dramatic parts of the narrative to keep your child engaged.
Discuss the historical context of piracy briefly to provide background that will help your child understand Blackbeard's world and decisions.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or choices for Blackbeard, fostering creative thinking and empathy by wondering how different decisions could lead to different outcomes.
Connect the themes of the story to real-life situations, asking your child how they make decisions and handle conflicts, and discussing the importance of thinking about consequences.
After reading, ask your child to draw a scene from the book or write a short letter to Blackbeard, encouraging them to express their feelings and thoughts about the story creatively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'Blackbeard's Last Fight', the protagonist demonstrates bravery when confronting Blackbeard and his fearsome crew.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult, and can apply this by facing their own challenges confidently.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: Blackbeard's insatiable greed for treasure ultimately leads to his downfall, illustrating the negative outcomes of excessive greed.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value moderation and to understand that selfishness can lead to unfavorable consequences in both personal relationships and broader societal interactions.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: The crew members must work together to overcome Blackbeard, showing how cooperation can achieve what seems impossible.
Real-World Application: Children learn that working collaboratively can help solve difficult problems and achieve common goals, whether in school projects or in team sports.
Example Lesson: Resilience through challenges
Explanation: Characters in the book constantly face dangerous and uncertain situations but manage to persevere.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to remain resilient and steady in their own lives when encountering obstacles or setbacks.
Example Lesson: Justice prevails
Explanation: The story culminates with Blackbeard facing justice for his actions, sending a clear message about the triumph of good over evil.
Real-World Application: This reassures children that justice is an integral part of societal structure and encourages them to always strive to do what is right.