Surprise at Yorktown (AIO Imagination Station Books)
#15 in The Imagination Station Series
on Goodreads (147)
What’s inside...
Over 1 million sold in series! Travel two centuries back in time to the final battle of the American Revolution at Yorktown, Virginia. Cousins Patrick and Beth sneak through trenches and race across battlefields to warn General George Washington about a dangerous spy. The spy is stealing his secret plans and giving them to the British. Cannons roar and the ground shakes as the struggle reaches a climax. Washington's ragtag soldiers are up against the most powerful army in the world. Will Patrick and Beth witness the American Revolution come to an end? Or will they be caught in a dangerous trap they can't escape?
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt during the surprise at Yorktown? Can you describe what might have been going through their minds?
What do you think is the importance of teamwork as shown in the story?
If you were in the story, what would you have done differently during the big event?
What are some of the lessons that the characters learned by the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts about the story’s themes and events, which can make your child more comfortable in expressing their own opinions. Relate parts of the story to your child's life experiences to make the discussion more personal and relatable. Praise your child's responses to encourage deeper analysis and connection to the story. Use the imagery of the book, such as descriptions of settings or characters, to help the child visualize and engage more deeply with the text.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The characters in 'Surprise at Yorktown' work together to overcome challenges, emphasizing the importance of cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each other’s contributions.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Through adventurous plot lines, characters display bravery in facing their fears, providing a model for courageous behavior.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to face their own fears, whether it's speaking in front of the class or trying out a new activity, knowing it’s okay to feel scared yet still take action.
Example Lesson: Historical Knowledge
Explanation: The setting of the American Revolution offers educational insights into important historical events and figures.
Real-World Application: This can spark a child's interest in history, leading to further reading, school projects, or visits to historical sites, enhancing their understanding of the past and its impact on the present.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Characters encounter problems that they must think through and solve, promoting critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach challenges in their lives methodically, develop solutions, and adaptively overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: Moral Integrity
Explanation: The story promotes honesty and doing what’s right, even when difficult.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of integrity and making ethical choices in their daily interactions with peers and adults.