Annie Oakley
Heroes and villians of the wild West Series
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
A biography of the markswoman and performer who achieved fame with Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Annie Oakley
Frank Butler
Sitting Bull
Buffalo Bill Cody
Discussion points
What qualities do you admire in Annie Oakley and why?
How do you think Annie felt when she faced challenges, and what would you do in her situation?
In what ways did Annie Oakley help change how people view women during her time?
What lessons can we learn from Annie Oakley's dedication and practice in shooting?
How did Annie Oakley's achievements influence those around her and society at large?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing Annie Oakley's character, emphasize her perseverance and determination to provide subtle encouragement for these traits in your child.
Relate historical and societal aspects in the book to the present day to help your child understand the significance of cultural change.
Encourage your child to talk about a time they faced a challenge and how they overcame it, linking it to Annie Oakley's experiences.
Highlight Annie Oakley's respect for her skills and her modesty, discussing with your child the importance of humility and self-respect.
Ask your child to imagine they were at one of Annie Oakley's shows; encourage them to describe the scene and how they would feel witnessing her skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and determination
Explanation: The story details Annie Oakley’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of America’s first female sharpshooters, showcasing her relentless determination to improve her skills despite various challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persisting in the face of difficulties, whether it be mastering a new skill or working through a tough assignment in school.
Example Lesson: Gender equality
Explanation: Annie Oakley breaks traditional gender roles in her time by excelling in a male-dominated sport and becoming a renowned figure in it, which challenges societal expectations.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to pursue their passions regardless of gender stereotypes and promote equality among their peers.
Example Lesson: Respect for talents and skills regardless of background
Explanation: Despite her poor background, Annie Oakley earns respect through her sharpshooting talents, emphasizing that skill and ability can come from any social strata.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to respect and value their own and others’ talents and abilities, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Example Lesson: Importance of hard work
Explanation: Annie Oakley’s success is portrayed not just as a result of talent, but also her intense dedication and practice, highlighting the importance of hard work.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that success often comes from putting in effort and working hard towards achieving goals.
Example Lesson: Humility and generosity
Explanation: Despite her fame, Annie Oakley is shown to have remained humble and often used her position to help others, demonstrating the virtues of humility and generosity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stay grounded and use their achievements or positions to assist and uplift others in their community.