Champlain And The Silent One: A North Country Adventure (North Country Adventures)
North Country Adventures Series
on Goodreads (21)
What’s inside...
In the winter of 1609, Samuel de Champlain and his Frenchmen promise to help the Innu people fight their enemies. Silent One, who has been mute since his uncle's death, must join the war party to journey far from home. He needs to find his voice to save his brother and his own spirit.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-17
Length
150 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the relationship between Champlain and the Silent One evolve throughout the story? What do you think made them bond?
Can you describe the challenges they faced during their adventure? How did they overcome them?
Why do you think the Silent One chose not to speak, and how did this affect the way others treated him?
What can we learn about friendship and understanding from Champlain and the Silent One's journey?
If you were on an adventure in the North Country, what would you do differently than the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your thoughts on the story and its characters to set a welcoming tone for the discussion. Encourage your child to think about the setting and how it influences the story. Ask them to relate personal experiences to the challenges faced by Champlain and the Silent One. Validate their feelings and perspectives while gently steering them to consider the underlying themes of friendship and acceptance. Highlight the historical context and geography explored in the book to deepen their understanding and maintain curiosity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and respecting different cultures
Explanation: The book explores the interaction between Samuel de Champlain and the Native American communities. Through their cooperation and sharing of knowledge, the story highlights the importance of cultural respect and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of respecting others' backgrounds and perspectives, fostering an inclusive environment at school and in social settings.
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and perseverance
Explanation: Samuel de Champlain's adventures exemplify bravery and determination, as he navigates unknown territories and forms new alliances.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to tackle challenges, whether they be in their academic pursuits or personal goals, with a courageous and persistent attitude.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and trust
Explanation: The friendship that develops between Champlain and the Native American boy, coupled with their mutual trust, plays a pivotal role in overcoming various obstacles in the story.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of building trust and cooperating with others to achieve common goals, enhancing their social interactions and team projects.
Example Lesson: Respecting nature and understanding its importance
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the characters rely on and respect the natural world, which is crucial for their survival and success.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate nature and understand the necessity of sustainable environmental practices.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Characters in the book make mistakes and learn from them, which is a crucial part of their development and success.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to view mistakes as learning opportunities, promoting a growth mindset and resilience in personal and academic endeavors.