Captain Thunderbolt (Australian Bushrangers Book 1)
#1 in Australian Bushranger Series
on Goodreads (12)
What’s inside...
Frederick Wordsworth Ward, better known as 'Captain Thunderbolt', had one of the longest bushranging careers in history, plaguing New South Wales for almost seven years. He was intelligent, charming, and enjoyed much public support. The book describes Thunderbolt's notable exploits and refutes many popular myths about him. Additionally, it is part of the Australian Bushrangers series by Jane Smith, which details the lives of Australia's most famous bushrangers based on meticulous research of primary sources, providing historically accurate narratives that are both entertaining and align with the national curriculum.
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Captain Thunderbolt to become a bushranger?
How do the other characters in the story react to Captain Thunderbolt's actions? What does that tell us about them?
If you were in the story, how would you handle the challenges that Captain Thunderbolt faced?
What lessons can we learn about courage and making choices from Captain Thunderbolt's adventures?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today's world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on Captain Thunderbolt's decisions and actions, encouraging your child to express their perspectives.
Use the questions to explore the moral and ethical dimensions of the story, helping your child understand the complexity of right and wrong.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s experiences, asking them to draw parallels between the challenges faced by Captain Thunderbolt and their own life.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios within the story, fostering creative thinking and deeper engagement with the book’s content.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist, Captain Thunderbolt, showcases repeated acts of bravery and resilience throughout his adventures, standing up for what he believes is right.
Real-World Application: Children can draw on Captain Thunderbolt's example to advocate for themselves and others in situations such as school or among peers, and to remain resilient in the face of challenges.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The story highlights the impact of Captain Thunderbolt's choices, both good and bad, showing children that actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of thinking before acting, teaching them to consider the potential outcomes of their choices in their daily interactions and decisions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Historical Awareness
Explanation: Through the adventurous tales of Captain Thunderbolt, the book provides historical context about the Australian bushrangers, enriching children’s understanding of history.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this knowledge by showing respect and curiosity about different historical events and cultures they encounter in school or in their community.
Example Lesson: Ethical Decision-Making
Explanation: Captain Thunderbolt faces many moral dilemmas, and his decisions often illustrate the complexity of right and wrong, guiding children through the grey areas of ethics.
Real-World Application: Children learn to evaluate their decisions and consider ethical dimensions, which is crucial as they navigate various social situations in school or at home.
Example Lesson: Leadership and Influence
Explanation: As a leader among bushrangers, Captain Thunderbolt's actions and decisions influence those around him, depicting the weight of leadership.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to be mindful about how they influence others in team settings like group projects, sports, or family activities, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with leadership roles.