In the Shadow of the Alamo
on Goodreads (66)
What’s inside...
Conscripted into the Mexican Army, fifteen-year-old Lorenzo Bonifacio makes some unexpected alliances and learns some harsh truths about General Santa Ana as the troops move toward the Battle of the Alamo. Fifteen-year-old Lorenzo Bonifacio never intended to be a soldier. But when the soldados raid his tiny Mexican village, Lorenzo finds himself forced to join General Santa Anna's army, all because of the pesky goatherd Catalina and the haughty Esteban Equivel, son of the wealthiest landowner in the region. Taken under wing by the kind Sergeant Ildefonso, Lorenzo and Esteban endure boredom, exhaustion, and hunger as the army makes its way across Mexico to San Antonio de Bexar, where rebellious norte-americanos have barricaded themselves inside an old mission called El Alamo. Neither boy can imagine what lies at the end of the march--defeat, death, glory?--and neither can accept the price paid during the fight for Texas.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-12
Length
282 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Lorenzo felt when he had to make a difficult decision? What would you have done in his place?
Why is it important to remember and talk about historical events like the Battle of the Alamo?
What does courage mean to you? Can you give an example of a time when you acted bravely?
How do the characters in the book show loyalty and friendship to one another?
In what ways do the actions of the characters in the story inspire you to act in your daily life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on the book’s themes such as bravery, sacrifice, and history, to model reflective thinking.
Ask your child to compare characters or events in the book with their own life experiences, which can help personalize the story’s themes.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings for the story based on different choices by the characters, enhancing their creative and critical thinking.
Utilize the historical context of the Alamo provided in the book to discuss the importance of history in understanding our present and shaping our future.
Praise your child’s responses and thoughts to build their confidence in expressing their ideas and opinions about complex subjects.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: The story portrays young characters facing challenging situations with bravery, particularly during the historical events at the Alamo.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges, whether at school or in social scenarios, with bravery and resilience.
Example Lesson: Importance of history
Explanation: Through its setting and events, the book highlights significant historical moments, educating young readers about the past.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and respect their own and others' histories, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural heritage.
Example Lesson: Sacrifice for greater good
Explanation: Characters in the book make personal sacrifices for the benefit of others, illustrating the value of selflessness.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of thinking about how their actions affect others and the value of sometimes placing others' needs before their own.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The book shows characters recovering from setbacks and persevering despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children learn that setbacks are a natural part of life and that persistence and resilience are key to overcoming them.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As characters face various struggles, the narrative encourages understanding and empathizing with those in different or difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop empathy, enabling them to understand and connect with the feelings of others in their daily interactions.