Bartleby of the Mighty Mississippi
What’s inside...
After being abandoned in a pond, Bartleby, a pet turtle, meets many other creatures, learns to survive in the wild, and decides to go in search of his birthplace. All Bartleby has ever known is life in his plastic bowl until his owner throws him into a large body of water. There, Bartleby faces challenges and meets another discarded pet, Seezer, an alligator who wants Bartleby to help him find the Mighty Mississippi, his true home. As they embark on their journey, Bartleby must decide if he can trust a growing alligator.
Age
8-11
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Bartleby chose to leave his old home and seek a new adventure?
How did Bartleby's friendships impact his journey on the Mississippi?
What are some ways that Bartleby shows courage throughout his story?
How do you think the river setting influences the events and characters in the story?
What lessons can we learn from Bartleby about facing challenges and making new friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Bartleby’s situation, fostering empathy and deeper understanding. Ask them how they would feel and what choices they might make in similar circumstances. Highlight the significance of friendship and bravery shown in the story to relate these qualities to your child's everyday experiences. Draw parallels between the physical journey of Bartleby and personal growth, prompting your child to think about how they've grown or changed in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptation
Explanation: Bartleby, a turtle who experiences significant changes in his environment, showcases immense resilience and the ability to adapt to new situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace changes in their life, such as moving to a new school or city, and adapt positively.
Example Lesson: Courage and Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, Bartleby demonstrates courage in the face of hardships and builds strong friendships that help him along the way.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be brave when facing new challenges and to understand the importance of building and maintaining friendships.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The setting along the Mississippi River introduces the challenges of pollution and habitat destruction, aligning with Bartleby’s journey and challenges.
Real-World Application: Instills the importance of caring for our environment and promotes actions like recycling or cleaning up local parks to protect natural habitats.
Example Lesson: Identity and Self-Acceptance
Explanation: As Bartleby ventures on a journey to discover where he truly belongs, the theme of self-acceptance is explored.
Real-World Application: Helps children appreciate and embrace their unique qualities and the journey of self-discovery.