Greed, Seeds and Slavery
What’s inside...
Commemorating the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the Slave Trade Act, this collection of eleven stories follows the lives of slaves of every kind around the world. Join African Queen Jinga as she unites the tribes of Ndongo against the invading Portuguese. Watch John Blanke as he becomes the first black trumpeter to play for the King Henry VIII. Meet Harriet Tubman as she helps escaped slaves flee along the Underground Railroad to freedom. Moving, exciting and often funny, these true stories span centuries and the globe, feature famous historical figures such as William Wilberforce and Catherine of Aragon and remind us all of the true horrors of slavery in all its forms.
Discussion points
How do the choices characters make in the story show the impact of greed?
What lessons can we learn about fairness and justice from the book?
In what ways do the characters in the book show resilience in difficult situations?
How can we apply the lessons from this book to our daily lives?
Why is it important to stand up for what is right, even when it’s difficult?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use examples from the book to discuss the consequences of greed and the importance of integrity.
Encourage your child to think about how they would handle similar situations as the characters.
Highlight moments in the book where characters make tough decisions to discuss moral and ethical choices.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the historical events in the book and current events.
Praise your child’s insights and encourage them to ask questions about the book's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the impact of historical events
Explanation: The book explores the historical significance of the sugar trade and its deep connections to slavery, illustrating how past events shape the world.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of history and its consequences, promoting a deeper understanding of societal structures and empathy towards different cultures.
Example Lesson: The importance of ethical decision-making
Explanation: Through the narrative, children see characters making tough choices in morally complex situations during the era of slavery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically about right and wrong and apply ethical thinking to choices they face in daily life.
Example Lesson: Recognizing the value of human rights
Explanation: Characters in the story advocate for freedom and the abolition of slavery, highlighting the fundamental rights every individual deserves.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to value and respect each person’s rights and to stand against injustices, whether in school or within their community.
Example Lesson: The impact of greed
Explanation: The book sheds light on how the greed of a few can lead to widespread suffering, particularly in the context of the sugar trade and slavery.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the negative consequences of greed and encourages them to promote fairness and generosity.
Example Lesson: The power of resilience and hope
Explanation: Despite the harsh realities of slavery depicted in the book, there are stories of resilience and hope that emerge from the oppressed.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the value of perseverance and optimism in the face of challenges, fostering a resilient mindset which is essential throughout their lives.