Sean's War
Highlights Hidden Pictures Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Young Sean Callahan struggles to understand the conflict between his gentle immigrant stepmother and his gruff frontier father as northwestern Illinois erupts into war between the white settlers and the Sauk-Fox Indians led by their warrior chief Black Hawk. Praise for Sean's War includes accolades from the Apple River Fort Historical Foundation, Midwest Book Review, and a former Reading/Language Arts Administrator, highlighting its value in educating students about this unique period in Illinois history through the perspective of youth. The novel for middle grade readers and older about Sean Callahan growing up in the 1830s takes place during the Black Hawk War. Sean must struggle with the battle between his parents over how to treat the Indians and prove his courage to his father. Includes maps and illustrations by Sheila Kelly Welch. History will come to life as children read about Sean's experiences -- his work in the lead mines, his witnessing of the battle at Stillman's Run, and his participation in the defense of the Apple River fort. Young readers will be drawn into Sean's conflicts as he tries to sort out moral issues that are still relevant in today's world. A Teacher's Guide is available from the publisher for use in schools.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
174 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What parts of Sean’s experiences during the war did you find the most interesting or surprising?
How do you think Sean felt when he had to make tough decisions? What would you have done in his place?
In what ways did the characters show bravery or teamwork in the book?
How did the setting of the war affect the characters and the story?
If you could ask Sean or any other character a question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, focusing on the characters’ emotions and actions.
Discuss the historical context of the story, and relate it to the present day to foster deeper understanding and connections.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book that they found memorable, and discuss what makes it significant.
Create a family book club discussion, where each member picks their favorite character and explains why, enhancing empathy and perspective-taking.
Challenge your child to think of alternative endings for the book and discuss how different scenarios could change the moral of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and resilience
Explanation: Sean's War showcases the young protagonist, Sean, facing various challenges and overcoming them with bravery and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges at school or in social situations with a courageous and resilient attitude.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Sean teams up with friends to tackle obstacles, illustrating the strength found in collaborative efforts.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of working together and supporting each other in group tasks or team sports.
Example Lesson: Understanding historical conflicts
Explanation: The story is set against a backdrop of a significant historical event, providing a context that enriches the narrative and educates about the past.
Real-World Application: Children gain historical awareness and can better understand the impacts of history on the present, fostering a deeper appreciation for different eras.
Example Lesson: Empathy and perspective-taking
Explanation: Sean's interactions with diverse characters help him understand different viewpoints and develop empathy.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider others' feelings and perspectives, helping them to build healthier relationships and social skills.
Example Lesson: The consequences of actions
Explanation: As Sean navigates his adventures, the outcomes of his decisions are highlighted, teaching readers about accountability.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of thinking decisions through and recognizing that their actions affect not just themselves, but others around them as well.