Some Kind of Courage
on Goodreads (4,173)
What’s inside...
The acclaimed author of The Honest Truth returns with an extraordinary novel about a boy's life-defining, death-defying journey. Joseph Johnson has lost just about everyone he's ever loved. He lost his pa in an accident, his ma and his little sister to sickness, and his beloved pony, Sarah, to a man who had no right to take her. Despite the odds being stacked against him, Joseph is determined to get Sarah back. He faces deadly animals, dangerous men, and the fury of nature itself on his quest to be reunited with the only family he has left. This poignant, hopeful, and action-packed story by the critically acclaimed author speaks of hearts that won't be tamed and spirits that refuse to be broken. The Large Print edition increases font size and line spacing to maximize reading legibility, advancing comprehension, improving fluency, reducing eye fatigue, and boosting engagement in young readers of all abilities.
Age
9-12
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Joseph Johnson
Ah-Kee
Discussion points
How did Joseph's journey in 'Some Kind of Courage' show the importance of perseverance and bravery?
What role do friendship and trust play in Joseph’s adventures?
How do you think Joseph felt when he was faced with tough decisions, and what would you have done in his place?
In what ways do the characters in the book demonstrate responsibility?
How can Joseph's story inspire us to face our own challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to connect Joseph's experiences to their own life by asking how they would react in similar situations.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented in the book and explore the possible outcomes of different choices.
Point out moments in the story where characters show growth or learn something new, asking your child what they learned from the book.
Praise your child's insights and responses to build their confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Use the historical setting of the book to discuss how times have changed and what lessons remain timeless.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Joseph, embarks on a relentless journey to retrieve his horse, demonstrating his unwavering determination and resilience throughout various challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stay persistent and keep striving towards their goals, despite difficulties they encounter.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Joseph forms heartwarming bonds with characters like Ah-Kee along his journey, illustrating how friendships can emerge in unlikely circumstances and be a source of strength.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open to making friends in different settings and to support each other in tough times.
Example Lesson: Integrity and moral courage
Explanation: Throughout his quest, Joseph encounters numerous moral dilemmas and consistently chooses what he believes is right, even when it’s the harder choice.
Real-World Application: It teaches children the importance of doing what is right, not just what is easy, and being true to one’s moral compass.
Example Lesson: Dealing with loss and grief
Explanation: Joseph’s journey is also one of personal loss, as he deals with the death of his parents and his separation from his horse, Sarah.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that grief is a part of life and that we can find strength and continue moving forward.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As Joseph meets different people from diverse backgrounds, the story emphasizes understanding and empathizing with others’ experiences and viewpoints.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with peers from different backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive attitude.