An Acquaintance with Darkness (Great Episodes)
Great Episodes Series
on Goodreads (2,118)
What’s inside...
When her mother dies and her best friend's family is implicated in the assassination of President Lincoln, fourteen-year-old Emily Pigbush must go live with an uncle she suspects of being involved in stealing bodies for medical research. Sent to live with her uncle after her own mother's death, 14-year-old Emily Pigbush realizes that the mother of her friend is one of John Wilkes Booth's accomplices in the assassination of President Lincoln. Includes a reader's guide.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-18
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Emily Pigbush
Anna Surratt
Uncle Valentine
Mary Surratt
Discussion points
How do you think Emily felt when she had to go live with her uncle after her mother’s death? Can you relate to her feelings in any way?
What are some moral dilemmas Emily faces throughout the story and how do you think you would react in her situation?
Discuss the historical setting of the novel. How do the events from this time period affect the characters’ actions and beliefs?
Why is trust an important theme in the book and which characters show trustworthiness or lack thereof?
How does Emily's understanding of right and wrong evolve throughout the story? How does it compare to your own views on these concepts?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in the character's shoes, helping them understand different perspectives.
Utilize pauses after reading pivotal moments to discuss what your child thinks might happen next, fostering predictive and critical thinking skills.
Bring history into the conversation by connecting the plot with real historical events mentioned in the book, enhancing their learning experience.
Discuss the choices characters make and ask your child what they would do differently, boosting their problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Reinforce the understanding of themes by asking your child to point out actions in the story that align with or challenge their personal beliefs.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Emily, navigates through personal loss and the moral complexities of her surroundings during the tumultuous times of the Civil War, showcasing her resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and strength during difficult times, understanding that challenges can be overcome with determination.
Example Lesson: Understanding the complexity of moral choices
Explanation: Emily’s encounters and the decisions she must make about right and wrong, particularly with her uncle's involvement in grave robbing, highlight the grey areas in moral issues.
Real-World Application: This helps children grasp that real-life decisions aren't always straightforward and encourages them to think critically about ethical dilemmas.
Example Lesson: The importance of seeking truth
Explanation: Through her journey, Emily strives to uncover the truth behind her uncle's actions and the broader implications of his deeds, emphasizing the pursuit of truth.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to seek out truth and question the world around them, building their critical thinking and investigative skills.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: Emily's relationships and experiences with various characters, including those enslaved, allow her to see life from different perspectives, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in appreciating diverse viewpoints and cultures, enhancing their emotional intelligence and social skills.
Example Lesson: The significance of personal growth and self-discovery
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, Emily learns a great deal about herself and her beliefs, which is pivotal to her character development.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace self-discovery as a lifelong process and to remain open to learning more about themselves and their evolving beliefs.