The Indian School (Trophy Chapter Books (Paperback))
A Trophy Chapter Book. Series
What’s inside...
In 1839, newly orphaned eleven-year-old Mary goes to live with her missionary aunt and uncle who run a school for Indian children in northern Michigan. The story unfolds as Mary navigates her new life and environment, exploring the challenges and experiences of living in a missionary setting. A critically acclaimed historical novel by the author of the National Book Award-winning novel Homeless Bird. When shy ten-year-old Lucy comes to live with her aunt and uncle at their mission school, she's surprised at the number of harsh rules and restrictions imposed on the children. She wonders why the Indians have to do all the changing and why her aunt is so strict with them. Then a girl called Raven runs away in protest, and Lucy knows she must overcome her timidity and stand up to her aunt—no matter what the consequences. With her trademark lyricism, spare prose, and strong young heroine, award-winning author Gloria Whelan has once again taken a chapter from history and transformed it into gripping, accessible historical fiction that is perfect for schools and classrooms, as well as for fans of Linda Sue Park and Louise Erdrich.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What challenges do the characters face in 'The Indian School', and how do they overcome them?
How do the relationships between characters change throughout the story?
What did you learn about different cultures and traditions from reading this book?
If you were a character in 'The Indian School', who would you want to be and why?
What are some ways the characters in the book show courage and resilience?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the historical context of the story and the challenges faced by the characters. Use comparisons to their own life to deepen understanding. Discuss the cultural elements presented in the book, and maybe explore further with related activities like crafts or recipes. Emphasize empathy by asking how they would feel in similar situations faced by the characters. Lastly, encourage them to think about what lessons they can take away from the story and apply in their own lives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story portrays the challenges faced by Native American children in a boarding school, highlighting their struggles and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate diverse backgrounds and understand the feelings of others in different life situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of Education
Explanation: The protagonist, Lucy, values her education despite the hardships, showing dedication and a thirst for knowledge.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value their own educational opportunities and strive for personal growth through learning.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Lucy's journey showcases her ability to persevere through tough challenges and adapt to her environment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face personal difficulties with strength and adaptability, understanding that challenges can lead to growth.
Example Lesson: The Power of Friendship
Explanation: Lucy forms meaningful friendships that help her navigate her experiences at the boarding school, demonstrating the value of supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to forge and value friendships that enrich their lives and provide support during challenging times.
Example Lesson: Cultural Pride and Identity
Explanation: Despite being encouraged to assimilate, Lucy maintains a strong connection to her Native American heritage, which fills her with pride and strength.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take pride in their own cultural identity and respect the cultural expressions of others.