Thunder Rose
on Goodreads (699)
What’s inside...
Coretta Scott King Honor Book. Thunder Rose is no ordinary girl; from the night she was born during a thunderstorm, she showed signs of being special. Raised by Jackson and Millicent MacGruder, she grew up drinking milk straight from the cow and preferring the company of her bull, Tater. As a teenager, she captures outlaws and finds joy in music. But when a ferocious storm threatens her town, Thunder Rose faces her biggest challenge yet. Jerdine Nolen's tale, illustrated by Kadir Nelson, introduces a powerful new African American heroine who overcomes adversity with strength and resilience.
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Thunder Rose
Discussion points
How do you think Thunder Rose's unique talents helped her family and community?
What qualities make Thunder Rose a hero, and who do you consider a hero in your own life?
How does the setting of the wild west influence the story and the characters within it?
Thunder Rose has a very supportive family. How do they encourage her to be her best?
What challenges does Thunder Rose face, and how does she overcome them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading the book together, ask your child what they know about the wild west and what they expect from a hero in a story.
Encourage your child to share their thoughts on the characteristics that make someone a hero, linking this to Thunder Rose’s actions in the book.
While discussing the book, highlight the importance of community and family support as depicted in the story, and relate it to your child’s own experiences.
Ask your child to imagine their own unique superpower and discuss how they would use it to help others around them.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book that they found particularly inspiring or exciting.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-Confidence
Explanation: Thunder Rose exudes self-confidence through her extraordinary talents and innate determination, which allow her to perform legendary feats such as taming nature and crafting marvels from scraps.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of believing in themselves and their abilities, encouraging them to tackle challenges with confidence and perseverance.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Innovation
Explanation: Rose uses her creativity to invent useful things out of what others see as mere junk, showcasing the power of innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box and use their imagination to solve problems and create new things, enhancing their creative and cognitive skills.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Throughout the story, Thunder Rose faces various natural disasters and challenges, yet she remains unshaken and manages to overcome them with her strength and wits.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of resilience and the importance of facing difficulties head-on, instilling a sense of persistence and endurance.
Example Lesson: Environmental Responsibility
Explanation: Rose's actions to control the weather and her resourceful use of materials highlight themes of environmental stewardship and responsibility.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of taking care of the environment and using resources wisely, which can translate into everyday habits like recycling and conservation.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family and Community
Explanation: Thunder Rose thrives under the love and support of her parents and community, illustrating how a supportive network contributes to individual success.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate the role of family and community in their lives, encouraging them to contribute positively and recognize the support system around them.