Shannon: Schoolmarm Mysteries: Girlhood Journeys Book3: The Schoolmarm Mysteries
#3 in Girlhood Journeys: Shannon Series
What’s inside...
A recent immigrant from Ireland to San Francisco in 1880, Shannon is excited to start school but faces challenges when she discovers her Chinese friend is forbidden by law to attend. Many of her classmates also hold prejudices against the Irish. Shannon's new school has a Suffragette teacher, but Shannon is upset that her friend Mi Ling cannot join her. This story highlights issues of friendship and prejudice in nineteenth-century California.
Discussion points
What do you think Shannon felt when she faced mysteries in her school?
How do you think working together helped Shannon and her friends solve the mysteries?
If you were Shannon, what would you have done differently when encountering a mystery?
What did you learn about the importance of courage and curiosity from Shannon's adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts freely by showing interest and asking follow-up questions based on their responses. Use real-life examples to relate the themes of teamwork and curiosity in the book to situations your child might find themselves in, such as working on a group project at school. Highlight the relevance of historical settings in the book, discussing how daily life and challenges then compare to today, fostering a deeper connection with the story. Celebrate the problem-solving aspect by discussing a mystery or puzzle together after reading, making the connection between the book and enjoyable critical-thinking activities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In the story, Shannon confronts a situation where she must tell the truth despite fears of the consequences. Her honesty ultimately leads to a resolution of the mystery, showing its positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value being truthful in their everyday interactions, understanding that honesty builds trust and can resolve conflicts.
Example Lesson: The power of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Shannon faces various challenges but continues to persevere to solve the mysteries. Her determination is a key factor in her success.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence in overcoming obstacles, whether in completing school assignments, learning new skills, or dealing with personal challenges.
Example Lesson: The value of empathy
Explanation: Shannon shows empathy by considering the feelings and perspectives of other characters, which helps her understand the motives behind their actions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more considerate and understanding of others’ feelings and viewpoints, enhancing their social interactions and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: The importance of problem-solving
Explanation: The book showcases Shannon using critical thinking and problem-solving skills to decipher clues and unravel the mystery.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use logical thinking and resourcefulness in their daily challenges, fostering independent and analytical thinking skills.