Henry VIII (A Wicked History): Royal Beheader
#3 in A Wicked History Series
on Goodreads (207)
What’s inside...
Explore the dramatic monarchy of King Henry VIII, and the many unfortunate souls who lost their heads at his command. The wicked ways of some of the most ruthless rulers to walk the earth are revealed in these thrilling biographies (A Wicked History) about men and women so monstrous, they make Frankenstein look like a sweetheart.
Character compass
Henry Viii
Henry VIII of England
Discussion points
How do you think Henry VIII’s decisions impacted the people around him and his country?
What are the qualities of a good leader? How does Henry VIII compare to this?
Why do you think Henry VIII made the choices he did? Were there better alternatives?
How did the actions of Henry VIII change the course of history? Can one person really make such a big difference?
What lessons can we learn from Henry VIII’s story about power and responsibility?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the historical context of the book. Pose questions that connect the past to present-day scenarios. Discuss the moral implications of Henry VIII's decisions and encourage empathy by asking how they would feel in the situations described in the book. Highlight the importance of leadership qualities and decision-making processes. Foster a deeper understanding by exploring how history is shaped by individuals' actions and the consequences that follow.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding historical consequences
Explanation: The book illustrates the impacts of Henry VIII's decisions on his kingdom and personal life, showing how his choices led to political and religious upheaval.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of considering the long-term effects and consequences of their decisions in their everyday interactions and choices.
Example Lesson: The importance of ethical leadership
Explanation: Henry VIII's reign, marked by controversial and often ruthless decisions, serves to highlight the effects of unethical leadership.
Real-World Application: This urges children to value honesty and integrity, encouraging them to be fair and ethical in positions of responsibility, whether as a class leader or during group activities.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: The narrative of Henry VIII presents numerous instances where mistakes were made, providing a platform for readers to learn about the importance of acknowledgment and correction of errors.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by understanding that it is okay to make mistakes but crucial to learn and grow from them, whether in academics, sports, or relationships.
Example Lesson: The impact of personal relationships on decision-making
Explanation: Henry VIII's decisions were often influenced by his personal relationships, demonstrating how private life can affect public responsibilities.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of maintaining healthy relationships and how personal bias should not cloud their judgments in decision-making processes at school or in other social settings.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite numerous political and personal challenges, the story portrays how figures in Henry VIII’s time endured or reacted to adversity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to remain resilient and steadfast in their own lives, facing challenges in school work or personal relationships with perseverance and courage.