Journeys with Florida's Indians (UPF Young Readers Library)
Young Readers Library Series
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Journeys with Florida's Indians takes readers ages 8-14 on an adventure through Florida's history, introducing them to the Paleoindians and various tribes such as the Timucua, Calusa, and Apalachee. The book alternates between factual chapters filled with maps and illustrations and fictional chapters narrated by Tenerife, a fictional Timucua Indian. It is an educational tool ideal for school and public libraries, providing an engaging blend of fact and fiction about Florida's native cultures and history.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What were some of the daily activities and traditions of the Florida Indians you learned about in this book?
How do you think the lives of the Florida Indians were different from ours today?
Can you imagine what it would be like to live in Florida hundreds of years ago? What would be the most exciting part?
What challenges did the Florida Indians face and how did they overcome them?
What did you find most interesting about the way the Florida Indians connected with nature?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own life by asking how they would feel in similar situations experienced by the Florida Indians.
Discuss the importance of culture and heritage, and how the Florida Indians preserved theirs. This can lead to a conversation about your own family's traditions.
Foster empathy by discussing the struggles and triumphs of the Florida Indians and asking your child how they think the people felt during those times.
Use the illustrations in the book to point out details about the environment and lifestyle of the Florida Indians, sparking visual interest and deeper understanding.
After reading, suggest your child draws a scene or a daily activity of the Florida Indians which they found fascinating, to encourage creative engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for different cultures
Explanation: The book portrays the rich history and culture of Florida's indigenous tribes, showing their unique ways of life and contributions to history.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of respecting and understanding people from diverse backgrounds, fostering an inclusive attitude in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and resourcefulness
Explanation: The book illustrates how Florida's Indians adapted to their environment, using natural resources wisely to survive and thrive.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to be resourceful with what they have and adapt to changing situations, whether in solving problems at school or dealing with changes at home.
Example Lesson: Importance of community and cooperation
Explanation: Stories within the book highlight how Florida's indigenous people worked together, supporting each other through challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of teamwork and helping others in their community, skills vital for group projects and family tasks.
Example Lesson: Learning from history
Explanation: The book emphasizes learning from the past experiences of Florida's Indians, including their conflicts and resolutions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding history's impact on the present and learning from past mistakes to make better decisions.
Example Lesson: Environmental stewardship
Explanation: The narrative showcases the deep connection Florida's Indians had with nature, and their efforts to preserve it.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to engage in environmentally friendly practices, such as recycling and conserving water, to protect the earth.