People of the West
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
This text is one of three companion volumes for young readers to the PBS television documentary, 'The West', by filmmakers Ken Burns, Stephen Ives and Geoffrey C. Ward, who also collaborated on the series 'The Civil War'. Focusing on the people of the West, this volume looks at life there before the arrival of settlers from Europe. It considers various questions such as: how it felt to be the first white woman to cross the Continental Divide, or one of the many men from China who traveled to America to help build a continent-spanning railroad; what it was like to live in a house made of sod on a vast, treeless prairie; and what it was like to travel more than a thousand miles from home in the hope of finding gold. It also examines how the natives had to choose between staying true to their ancient traditions or adopting the ways of white people. The volume introduces readers to 15 different people of the West, ordinary men and women who faced extraordinary circumstances as they struggled to make this land their home.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
120 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some ways the people in the book helped each other? How can we help those around us?
Which character did you find the most interesting, and why?
Can you think of a time when you felt like one of the characters in the story? What happened and how did you feel?
What have you learned about the life in the West from this story? How is it different from ours?
If you were in the book, what role would you choose to have and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, give a brief overview of the West and its historical significance to set the context.
Use a map to locate the areas mentioned in the book, making connections to physical geography.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by pausing at pivotal moments for reflection.
Relate the challenges faced by characters to real-life situations your child might encounter, fostering empathy and understanding.
After finishing the book, involve your child in an arts and crafts activity related to the theme of the West, such as creating a diorama or drawing scenes from the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: The characters in 'People of the West' work together to overcome challenges and achieve common goals, showcasing the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate with friends and classmates in team projects and group activities, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: The book presents a variety of cultures and traditions, teaching children to appreciate and respect differences.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this understanding by embracing diversity in their own communities and schools, leading to more inclusive environments.
Example Lesson: Importance of History
Explanation: Through engaging stories, 'People of the West' highlights significant historical events and figures, emphasizing the value of learning from the past.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be curious about history and learn from historical successes and failures to shape a better future.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book often face difficult situations with bravery, teaching children the importance of courage in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can mirror this behavior by handling personal challenges with determination and resilience, whether at school or in personal situations.