Civil War Sub: The Mystery of the Hunley (GB) (All Aboard Reading)
Penguin Young Readers, Level 2 Series
What’s inside...
In 1864, during the Civil War, the C.S.S. Hunley became the first submarine in the world to sink an enemy ship. The Hunley and its crew mysteriously vanished. What happened on that cold winter night? After over a century, scientists finally have some of the answers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the crew of the Hunley to take on such a dangerous mission?
How do you think the design of the Hunley contributed to its successes and challenges?
What emotions do you think the crew might have felt during their mission?
How do you think the discovery of the Hunley helps us understand history better?
If you were part of the Hunley's crew, what role would you choose and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Ask them to imagine being part of historical events and how they might have felt. Discuss the importance of teamwork as shown by the Hunley crew. Link the story to modern-day explorations and the continuing quest for knowledge. Use the book's illustrations to delve deeper into the historical context and design of the Hunley. This can help children appreciate the technological advancements over time.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in facing challenges
Explanation: The book recounts the story of the Hunley submarine and its crew who persevered through numerous challenges, including the construction and operation of the first combat submarine during the Civil War.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persistence when faced with difficult tasks or situations in school or in their personal lives.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The crew of the Hunley had to work together closely to operate the submarine successfully. This highlights how teamwork is crucial to achieving common goals.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the value of cooperating with others, whether in group projects, sports teams, or family activities.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness and appreciation
Explanation: The book provides historical context about the Civil War and the evolution of naval warfare, helping to cultivate an interest in history and technological advances.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore more about their own country's history and appreciate the technological innovations over the years.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The story illustrates the process of designing and testing the Hunley, showcasing how the engineers and crew tackled various problems during its development.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in academic challenges and daily life obstacles.
Example Lesson: Innovation and creativity
Explanation: The development of the Hunley represents a significant innovative step during the Civil War. It shows how thinking differently and creatively can lead to groundbreaking solutions.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to think creatively in their projects and find unique solutions to problems.