#2 in War Horse Series
Farm Boy
on Goodreads (3,163)
What’s inside...
Farm Boy is the heartwarming sequel to War Horse, following the story of Albert's son, who listens to his father's captivating tales about a special horse named Joey. Each story carries a sense of adventure and moral lessons, portraying the continuation of friendship between mankind and animals, and the power of storytelling that bridges generations.
Character compass
Discussion points
How do you think the grandfather felt about his experiences on the farm, and why?
What lessons do you think the boy learned from his grandfather?
How do the farm animals contribute to the story, and what do they represent?
What do you think is the most important part of the story, and why?
How would you feel and what would you do if you were in the boy's place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a compassionate tone while discussing the grandfather's experiences to nurture empathy.
Encourage the child to reflect on their own experiences with elders and the lessons learned from them.
Discuss the roles animals play in our lives and the feelings they might evoke.
Focus on understanding the child’s perspective of the story’s climax and resolution.
Connect the story to the child's real-life situations or decisions to deepen understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of hard work and perseverance
Explanation: In 'Farm Boy,' the protagonist learns the importance of dedication through tasks on the farm and solving a mystery about his grandfather's tractor.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding that persistence and effort can lead to success in their own tasks and challenges, such as schoolwork or sports.
Example Lesson: Respect for history and familial legacy
Explanation: The story emphasizes the heritage of farming passed down through generations and the protagonist’s growing respect for his family’s history.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to value and preserve their own family traditions and stories, and respect the contributions of their ancestors to their current life.
Example Lesson: The power of storytelling
Explanation: The grandfather in the book shares a captivating story that engages and educates the protagonist, showcasing storytelling as a powerful method of teaching.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to listen to stories from their elders and learn from them, and also to share their own stories as a way of expressing themselves and connecting with others.
Example Lesson: Innovation and problem-solving
Explanation: The book includes a subplot where the characters must creatively solve a problem related to the old tractor, demonstrating innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think creatively in solving their daily problems and encourage them to look for unique solutions to obstacles.