The Last Great Auk: A Novel
on Goodreads (54)
What’s inside...
The Last Great Auk: A Novel by Allan Eckert is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of the extinction of the great auk, a flightless bird from the North Atlantic. Written from the perspective of the last surviving great auk, the novel provides insight into the bird's life, its encounters with humans, and the challenges it faces due to environmental changes and human activities. The narrative explores themes of environmental conservation, the consequences of human actions on biodiversity, and the importance of preserving natural habitats.
Age
11-12
Length
191 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the Great Auk unique compared to other birds you know?
How do you feel about the way humans interacted with the Great Auk in the story?
What could have been done differently to protect the Great Auk from extinction?
How do you think the ecosystem was affected by the disappearance of the Great Auk?
If you could tell the Great Auk one thing, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child what they know about extinct animals, leading into a discussion about the Great Auk.
Encourage your child to imagine and describe what life might have been like for the Great Auk, fostering empathy and a deeper connection to the story.
Highlight the importance of wildlife conservation and discuss current efforts to protect endangered species.
After discussing the book, engage in a creative activity like drawing the Great Auk or writing a letter to the future about the importance of animal protection.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The narrative enables readers to feel the struggles and emotions of the Great Auk, fostering empathy towards animals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and empathize with different creatures, promoting compassionate behavior towards animals in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Impact of human actions on nature
Explanation: The book vividly portrays the negative effects of human encroachment and hunting on the Great Auk's population, highlighting the species’ eventual extinction.
Real-World Application: This can help children grasp the concept of environmental stewardship and encourage responsible behavior to protect wildlife and natural habitats.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout the story, the Great Auk demonstrates remarkable resilience despite numerous challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to adopt a resilient attitude when facing difficulties in their own lives, learning to persevere even under tough circumstances.
Example Lesson: The importance of history and learning from it
Explanation: The extinction of the Great Auk serves as a historical lesson on the consequences of human actions on other species.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to learn from past mistakes and make informed decisions that consider both present and future consequences.
Example Lesson: Valuing uniqueness and diversity
Explanation: The story of the Great Auk, being the last of its kind, teaches the importance of every species no matter how small or different.
Real-World Application: This can translate into a broader respect for diversity and uniqueness in people, fostering a more inclusive and accepting attitude among children.