Children of the Rush - Book Two
on Goodreads (22)
What’s inside...
“A fantastic, fast-paced adventure for young readers. I absolutely loved it!”
Sophie Wilton
Children’s books, Whitcoulls
All is well in Gabriel’s Gully, the ramshackle gold rush town.
But not for long.
Michael and Atarangi have become firm friends with Siu, a Chinese miner’s daughter who came to the schoolhouse to learn.
But when bad news from the coast draws their parents away, things take a shocking turn. Disaster strikes, and sinister faces from the past reappear.
Michael, Atarangi, and Siu have little choice but to take action, despite the danger it will put them in.
But will their courage, intelligence, and special powers be enough to overcome the evil forces threatening them?
“Gold, greed, and goodness will spark gripping discussions as you follow the next adventures of Michael, Atarangi and Siu!”
NZ Read Aloud
Why read this book
- Adventure-filled narrative fosters curiosity and imagination.
- Characters display resilience, teaching valuable life skills.
- Encourages teamwork through captivating challenges.
- Enhances vocabulary and reading comprehension.
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they faced challenges? Can you relate to their feelings?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character's shoes?
Why is friendship important in the story? How do the characters support each other?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of the book? How can we apply these lessons to our own lives?
How do the setting and the adventures impact the story? What part of their world would you like to explore?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, validating their opinions to foster a deeper understanding.
Draw parallels between the characters' experiences and your child’s personal experiences to make connections more tangible.
Discuss the moral and ethical choices the characters make, prompting your child to consider different perspectives and values.
Use vivid descriptions from the book to ignite your child's imagination, asking them to visualize scenes or invent their own endings.
Celebrate your child's responses to show that their engagement with the story is valued and important.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Children of the Rush - Book Two', the characters must work together to navigate challenging scenarios, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, which can be applied in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist faces various obstacles and demonstrates bravery and persistence, showcasing how to courageously tackle difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of facing fears and overcoming setbacks, whether it’s trying out for a school play or dealing with a difficult situation at home.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, friendships play a crucial role in overcoming challenges, highlighting the support and joy friendships can provide.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to nurture and value their friendships, which can lead to emotional support and happier school life.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The characters frequently encounter puzzles and problems that they must solve, demonstrating effective problem-solving strategies.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to think critically and solve problems creatively, which can be beneficial in academic and personal settings.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The setting of the book emphasizes a deep connection with nature, teaching children about the importance of environmental conservation.
Real-World Application: This lesson can translate into children being more conscious about recycling, conserving water, and preserving their natural surroundings.