Red Badge of Courage (Calico Illustrated Classics)
Calico Illustrated Classics Series
What’s inside...
The 'Red Badge of Courage (Calico Illustrated Classics)' by Lisa Mullarkey is an adapted version of the original novel by Stephen Crane, designed for younger readers with illustrations to help convey the story. It follows the journey of Henry Fleming, a young Union soldier during the American Civil War, who grapples with his fears and his desire to prove his courage on the battlefield. As Henry faces the horrors of war, he flees from his first encounter with combat, ashamed and longing for a wound—a 'red badge of courage'—to validate his bravery. Throughout the story, Henry confronts the realities of war, overcomes his fears, and ultimately matures into a seasoned soldier. The book explores themes of courage, self-discovery, and the impact of war on the human psyche.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How does Henry's perception of bravery change throughout the story?
What role do friends and companions play in Henry's journey?
How do you think you would have felt if you were in Henry's situation on the battlefield?
What did you learn about the effects of war on individuals and groups?
Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge and how you overcame it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the discussion, encourage your child to express any initial thoughts or feelings about the book.
Draw connections from the book to historical events to make the content more relatable and educational.
Praise your child for their insights and encourage them to think deeply about the characters' emotions and decisions.
Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child's perspective and understanding of the book’s themes, enhancing critical thinking.
Relate the discussions back to personal growth and values, reinforcing the developmental impact of the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: The protagonist, Henry, battles through his fears and insecurities amidst the chaos of war, eventually finding his courage.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their own fears, whether it’s trying something new or standing up for what's right, showing bravery much like Henry.
Example Lesson: The reality of idealism vs. reality
Explanation: Henry initially romanticizes battle but soon faces the grim reality of war, teaching him about the complexities of life.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that expectations may not always align with reality and that resilience is key in dealing with life's challenges.
Example Lesson: Personal growth through adversity
Explanation: Throughout the story, Henry’s character evolves significantly as he experiences the hardships and realities of war, which lead him to mature and grow.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that personal growth often comes through overcoming difficult situations and that these experiences can lead to greater self-understanding and maturity.
Example Lesson: The importance of camaraderie and support
Explanation: Henry learns to rely on and support his fellow soldiers, understanding the value of camaraderie in overcoming difficult times.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of teamwork and supporting others, whether in school projects, sports teams, or family activities.
Example Lesson: Consequences of one’s actions
Explanation: As Henry navigates his journey, he sees the direct results of his and others’ actions during the war, understanding that every action has consequences.
Real-World Application: This underscores for children the importance of thinking decisions through and recognizing that actions have impacts on themselves and others.