Handel: Who Knew What He Wanted
Candlewick Biographies Series
What’s inside...
This book tells the life story of George Frideric Handel, documenting his rise to fame, his period of self-doubt and unpopularity, followed by the composition of the Messiah. The biography, written by M.T. Anderson and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes, captures the essence of Handel from his rebellious childhood to his struggles with illness and misfortune that ultimately led to his greatest achievement. Through rigorous research and a witty narrative, the book portrays both Handel's triumphs and his hardships, illustrated with impeccable detail and a playful wink at the reader.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
George Frideric Handel
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Handel to become so dedicated to his music?
How did the people around Handel influence his journey?
What challenges did Handel face and how did he overcome them?
What can we learn from Handel’s story about following our passions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about what they are passionate about and discuss similarities and differences with Handel's musical journey.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and how overcoming obstacles can lead to fulfilling one’s dreams, drawing examples from Handel’s life.
Ask your child to consider how Handel's emotions might have influenced his music, and discuss how our own feelings can inspire creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in following one's passion
Explanation: The book showcases Handel's unwavering dedication to music from a young age, despite facing several obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of dedication and hard work towards achieving their goals, whether in academics, sports, or hobbies.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-belief
Explanation: Handel's confidence in his musical abilities allows him to overcome challenges and reach success.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to believe in their own skills and talents, and to use that self-belief as a driving force in life.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout the story, Handel encounters numerous setbacks but he consistently pushes forward and does not give up.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to bounce back from setbacks and continue striving towards their objectives, reinforcing the idea that obstacles are part of the journey.
Example Lesson: The value of creativity
Explanation: Handel's journey emphasizes how his unique approach to music set him apart and led to his historical legacy.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace their creativity and understand that thinking differently can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Example Lesson: Learning from criticism
Explanation: Handel faced criticism but used it constructively to refine his compositions and skills.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to view criticism as a tool for improvement rather than as discouragement.