The Story of the Crusaders (Usborne Young Reading (Series 3))
Usborne young reading. Series four
on Goodreads (22)
What’s inside...
Lively account of the Crusaders, with exciting descriptions of the main people, places and battles, including the peasant's crusade and the siege of Jerusalem. Includes maps and timelines. Vividly illustrated by Emmanuel Cerisier. Young Reading Series Three are for confident readers who still need to gain the stamina needed for standard length books. Part of the Usborne Reading Programme developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton and a history consultant. Part of the 'Young Reading Series Three', this book tells the story of the crusaders, who travelled from around Europe to the Holy Land to reclaim Jerusalem. It covers the major people, places and events of the Crusades, including Richard the Lionheart and Saladin, beginning with early crusades of the 11th Century to the last of the 13th Century.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the Crusaders to go on their journeys?
How did the interactions between different cultures influence each group?
What were some challenges the Crusaders faced and how did they overcome them?
Can you think of a situation where you had to work with others to achieve a common goal like the Crusaders?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the motivations and actions of the Crusaders. Highlight the importance of understanding different perspectives and the outcomes of cultural interactions. Discuss the relevance of cooperation and perseverance in achieving goals, drawing parallels to situations in your child's life. Use the book as a springboard for a broader conversation about history and its impact on the world today.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Historical Contexts
Explanation: The book provides a narrative about the Crusaders and the series of religious wars in a historical context, explaining the complexities in a child-friendly manner.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and analyze historical events, understanding their impacts on the present and fostering a respect for different cultures and viewpoints.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Courage and Leadership
Explanation: The stories of the Crusaders illustrate acts of bravery and leadership in challenging times, depicted through engaging storytelling.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to develop leadership qualities and the courage to face their own daily challenges, whether it's standing up for what's right or taking initiative in group settings.
Example Lesson: Moral Decision-Making
Explanation: The book portrays various moral dilemmas faced by the Crusaders, providing a platform to explore ethics and morality.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think critically about right and wrong and to consider the consequences of their actions in their interactions with others.
Example Lesson: The Consequences of Conflict
Explanation: Through the narrative, children are exposed to the serious consequences that arose from the Crusades, including loss and suffering on both sides.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the impacts of conflict, guiding them to seek peaceful resolutions in their own disputes.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The book illustrates how characters endure hardships with resilience during the Crusades, providing powerful examples of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of resilience in overcoming obstacles in their lives, encouraging them to persist despite difficulties.