Lewis & Papa: Adventure On the Santa Fe Trail
not part of a series
What’s inside...
Set in the American West, 'Lewis and Papa' is a story about a boy named Lewis and his relationship with his father. When a traveler shares stories about the Santa Fe Trail, Lewis and his father embark on an adventure that teaches them about courage, tenderness, and what it truly means to be a man. The historically accurate details, illustrated maps, and glossary of terms enrich this poignant coming-of-age tale, set against the backdrop of a nation also coming of age.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-13
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Lewis felt when he embarked on the journey with his papa? Can you relate to his feelings?
What are some challenges Lewis and his papa faced on the trail? How did they overcome them?
What do you think was the most exciting part of their adventure? Why?
How did the relationship between Lewis and his papa change throughout the story?
If you were on the Santa Fe Trail, what would you have done differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Lewis’s shoes, fostering empathy and perspective-taking.
Discuss the historical setting of the book. This can broaden your child’s understanding of different time periods and cultures.
Highlight the problem-solving and teamwork themes. Ask your child about times they had to work with others to solve a problem.
After reading, relate the story to your child's experiences by discussing family trips or challenges they've faced together.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance through challenges
Explanation: In the story, Lewis and Papa face various obstacles along the Santa Fe Trail, yet they continue their journey with determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stay determined and keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether in school projects or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout their adventure, Lewis and his father work together to overcome obstacles, demonstrating the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, both in school and in family activities.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to new environments
Explanation: As Lewis and Papa traverse different landscapes, they adapt to the changing conditions, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be flexible and adjust to new situations, such as moving to a new city or adapting to changes at school.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: The setting of the story on the Santa Fe Trail provides a historical backdrop that introduces young readers to a significant part of American history.
Real-World Application: This can spark a child’s interest in history and encourage them to explore and learn more about different historical events and eras.
Example Lesson: The bond between parent and child
Explanation: The relationship between Lewis and his Papa is central to the story, highlighting the love and trust shared between them.
Real-World Application: This can reinforce the importance of family bonds and encourage children to appreciate and nurture relationships with their parents or guardians.