True Escape Stories (Usborne Paperbacks)
Usborne 100 Things to Know About... Series
What’s inside...
From convicts in Alcatraz to prisoners in Colditz Castle, this volume celebrates the cunning, determination and courage of the would-be escaper. Collects eight stories of escapes from jail, prison, and military prison from around the world, most from the Second World War. Locked doors, high prison walls and barbed wire are formidable enough obstacles, but many escaping prisoners also face savage dogs and armed guards who shoot to kill. From Alcatraz to Devil's Island, this book tells the extraordinary tales of men who risked their lives for their freedom.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-15
Length
140 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the people in these stories to escape?
How do you think you would feel if you were in a similar situation as the characters in the book?
What qualities do you admire in the characters and why?
Can you think of a time when you had to overcome a difficult challenge? How does it compare to the challenges faced by the characters?
What did you learn about the importance of hope and perseverance from these stories?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child what they already know about escape stories or historical events related to escapes to gauge their prior knowledge.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in the characters' situations. This helps in understanding the emotional aspect of the stories.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s experiences to make the discussion more relevant. Comparing their challenges to those in the book can provide a personal connection.
Highlight the positive traits of characters, such as bravery and determination, and discuss how these traits can be applied in real-life situations.
After discussing, co-create a simple storyboard or a diary entry imagining your child as a character in one of the stories. This engages creativity and deeper understanding of the character's feelings and decisions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: The book details various historical escapes where individuals overcame significant hurdles and challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their problems with determination and not give up easily, whether it involves solving a difficult puzzle or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Innovative thinking
Explanation: Many stories in the book highlight the successful use of clever strategies and critical thinking to overcome dire situations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box and apply creative solutions to their challenges and tasks at school or home.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book often show great courage when it seems impossible to escape their predicaments, inspiring bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of bravery when confronting fears or standing up for what is right, such as defending a classmate or trying out for a team.
Example Lesson: The importance of hope and optimism
Explanation: Despite daunting circumstances, many protagonists maintained a hopeful outlook, which was crucial in their eventual escape.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the power of positive thinking and maintaining hope during difficult times, such as dealing with a bad grade or a tough day at school.
Example Lesson: Learning from history
Explanation: True stories based on historical events provide factual learning about different eras and the human spirit's endurance.
Real-World Application: This can foster a child’s interest in history and teach them the relevance of past events in contemporary times, promoting an appreciation for historical knowledge and its lessons.