Beginning Again: Further Adventures of a Loyalist Family
#2 in Loyalist Trilogy Series
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
Beginning Again is a sequel to Escape: Adventures of a Loyalist Family, Mary Beacock Fryer's historical novel for ten to fourteen-year-olds. This new work chronicles the lives of the Seamans as they make a new start in Canada. The main theme is the building, by Caleb, the father, and his sons Cade, Sam and Ned, of a huge timber raft. Along the way they have many other adventures - a brush with the supernatural, a visit by a wealthy uncle, a return to the family home on Long Island by Ned and his mother, Martha. The climax is the raft journey to Quebec by Caleb, with Cade, Sam, Ned and Elizabeth as crew, and the sale of their logs. While on a shopping spree in Montreal, Elizabeth is the belle at a ball. The Seamans also get the better of an enemy, to Ned's satisfaction - and that of the many readers of the first Seaman family novel. Even those who have not read Escape will be delighted with this exciting adventure.
Discussion points
How do you think the family felt about starting over in a new place? What would you feel in their situation?
What are some of the challenges the family faces in their new environment? How do they work together to overcome them?
Can you think of a time when you had to adapt to something new? How does that experience compare to the family's?
What do you think is the most important lesson the family learned? How can you apply that lesson in your own life?
How does the family's loyalty influence their decisions and actions throughout the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the characters' shoes, which can help them build empathy and understanding of the family’s challenges.
Use real-life examples of when your family or friends had to start something new or adapt to change, linking these experiences to those of the loyalist family in the story.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and resilience shown by the family, asking your child to think of ways they can demonstrate these traits in their own life.
Highlight how the family’s loyalty and values guide them through difficult times, prompting a discussion on the importance of having strong values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The loyalist family in 'Beginning Again: Further Adventures of a Loyalist Family' faces numerous challenges as they navigate life post-revolution. Their continual adaptation and perseverance exemplify resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through their personal challenges, whether adjusting to a new school, dealing with friendship troubles, or overcoming a personal setback.
Example Lesson: Importance of family unity
Explanation: Throughout the story, the family members support and rely on each other, showcasing the strength that can be found in familial bonds.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to value and nurture relationships with their family members, understanding the importance of a supportive home environment.
Example Lesson: Understanding historical contexts
Explanation: The narrative provides a historically rich setting that offers insights into the lives of loyalist families during and after the American Revolution, helping children grasp the complexities of history.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate the events of the past and how they shape our present, promoting a deeper understanding of history in their everyday observation.
Example Lesson: Moral integrity
Explanation: Characters in the book often face moral dilemmas and are portrayed making tough decisions to uphold their beliefs, which highlights the theme of integrity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stand firm in their values and principles, even when faced with peer pressure or difficult choices.