The Black Plague: Dark History- Children's Medieval History Books
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
The Black Plague is depressing read but it's something that's forever embedded in history. It happened. People died. Lessons learned and discoveries made. The last two points are what will make the Black Plague an interesting reading. Be there to guide your child through the circumstances and end-results of one of the most unfortunate events in history. Grab a copy today.
Why read this book
- Educational insight into medieval history.
- Engages children with vivid historical storytelling.
- Supports development of critical thinking skills.
- Addresses complex topics in child-friendly language.
Age
7-12
Length
42 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think people felt during the time of the Black Plague?
What were some ways people tried to protect themselves from getting sick?
Can you think of any modern situations that remind you of the Black Plague?
Why is it important to learn about difficult times in history?
How do you think learning about the past can help us today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing what you know about the Black Plague, and then ask your child what they think life might have been like during that time.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them to compare the epidemic in the book with current global health issues.
Validate your child's feelings by discussing the emotions that might have been experienced by people during the medieval period.
Use the discussion to highlight the importance of resilience and how societies recover from major challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The book portrays how societies and individuals survived and adapted during the Black Plague, showcasing the human spirit's resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain hopeful and find ways to adapt during challenging times, whether it's dealing with personal setbacks or broader societal issues.
Example Lesson: Importance of hygiene
Explanation: The Black Plague emphasizes the role of cleanliness in preventing disease, illustrating how the lack of it played a part in the spread of the plague.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of regular hand washing and maintaining cleanliness to stay healthy and prevent illnesses.
Example Lesson: Impact of societal choices
Explanation: The book discusses how different responses and decisions by communities affected the outcomes of the plague.
Real-World Application: Children can understand that their choices and actions have consequences that impact themselves and others around them.
Example Lesson: Empathy for suffering
Explanation: Through stories of individuals and communities affected by the plague, children can learn to empathize with people's suffering during historical events.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop empathy towards others who are going through hardships, fostering a sense of community and support.
Example Lesson: Learning from history
Explanation: By exploring the causes and effects of the Black Plague, the book teaches children the importance of learning from historical events to prevent future crises.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious and learn from past events to build a better future, understanding the importance of history in shaping our world.