Young Teddy Roosevelt
#8 in Young Patriots Series
on Goodreads (25)
What’s inside...
With beautifully detailed art and a lively, informative text, Cheryl Harness follows the life of young Teddy Roosevelt from his boyhood of ill health to his famed charge up San Juan Hill. Even in these early years, the fierce and lovable spirit of Teddy Roosevelt shines through.
Discussion points
What are some qualities that made Teddy Roosevelt a great leader? How can you exhibit those qualities in your daily life?
Teddy faced many challenges growing up. Can you think of a time when you faced a problem and how you solved it?
How did Teddy's love for nature influence his decisions as president? Why do you think caring for the environment is important?
What do you think Teddy would have done if he had more modern resources like the internet and smartphones during his adventures?
If you could speak to Teddy Roosevelt, what would you ask him and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set the stage by briefly summarizing what Teddy Roosevelt accomplished during his lifetime before reading. This gives context to the discussions.
Encourage your child to relate the stories of Teddy’s youth to their own experiences, promoting empathy and deeper connection to the text.
Discuss the setbacks Teddy faced and how he overcame them. This can be an excellent opportunity to talk about resilience and perseverance.
Use the book’s illustrations and historical photos to imagine being in Teddy's times, enhancing the engagement and making history come alive.
After reading, ask your child to draw or write about their favorite part of Teddy's story, solidifying their understanding and providing a creative outlet.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The story illustrates Teddy Roosevelt's ability to overcome physical limitations and personal setbacks through determination and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges, whether physical or emotional, with courage and persistence, leading to personal growth and achievement.
Example Lesson: Leadership
Explanation: Teddy Roosevelt's role as a leader in various capacities, from his participation in politics to the Rough Riders, is highlighted, focusing on qualities like decisiveness and fairness.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these leadership skills in group projects, sports teams, or classroom activities, learning to guide others effectively and ethically.
Example Lesson: Environmental Conservation
Explanation: The book discusses Roosevelt’s efforts in conservation and the establishment of national parks, emphasizing the importance of protecting natural habitats.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to engage in environmentally friendly practices, such as recycling, conserving water, and learning more about local wildlife and ecosystems.
Example Lesson: Civic Responsibility
Explanation: Roosevelt's commitment to public service and the betterment of society is depicted, demonstrating his belief in the importance of civic duty.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to take part in community service or group activities that aim to improve their school or neighborhood, nurturing a sense of responsibility and community involvement.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: The book provides insights into different historical events and figures, portraying how they influenced and were influenced by Roosevelt.
Real-World Application: This lesson can spark interest in history, prompting children to explore historical topics further, understand the impact of the past on present circumstances, and value the contributions of those who came before them.