Rough, Tough Charley
on Goodreads (129)
What’s inside...
Charley Parkhurst was a rough and tough stagecoach driver in the old West who had a deep love for horses. Known for wearing fancy blue gloves, Charley was more comfortable around horses than humans and kept one of the biggest secrets anyone could keep. Through thrilling paintings and Verla Kay's signature cryptic rhyme, readers are invited to explore Charley's amazing life, lived without limits.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do you think made Charley a strong and respected stagecoach driver?
How do you feel about the way Charley lived his life and the choices he made?
Why do you think Charley kept his secret for so long?
What can we learn from Charley about being true to ourselves?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the conversation, encourage your child to think about the importance of identity and secrets.
Provide context on the historical setting of the book to help your child understand the societal challenges of the era.
Ask your child to relate personal experiences where they had to make a tough decision or keep a secret.
Remind your child that it's okay to have different opinions about Charley's actions, fostering an open and non-judgmental discussion atmosphere.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Gender Identity
Explanation: The story of 'Rough, Tough Charley' presents Charley as a stagecoach driver who was known for their toughness but was discovered after their death to have been assigned female at birth. This narrative opens up discussions about gender identity and expression.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge by embracing individual differences and understanding that everyone has the right to express their true self, irrespective of societal gender norms.
Example Lesson: Courage to Be Oneself
Explanation: Charley's life as a revered stagecoach driver, despite societal gender expectations, demonstrates the courage it takes to truly be oneself.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to act with bravery in expressing their unique identities and personal truths, even when it feels challenging.
Example Lesson: Historical Perspectives on Gender
Explanation: The book provides a historical context to gender roles, highlighting how they have been challenged and redefined across times.
Real-World Application: Children learn to critically analyze historical and societal constructs of gender, helping them understand the dynamics of their own contemporary social environment.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Acceptance
Explanation: Through Charley's story, readers learn the importance of empathy, acceptance, and the adverse effects of making assumptions based on external appearances.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop a sense of empathy, encouraging them to appreciate and accept diverse perspectives and experiences in their daily interactions.