Sterling Point Books: The Barbary Pirates
#31 in Landmark Books Series
on Goodreads (581)
What’s inside...
C.S. Forester, creator of the beloved Horatio Hornblower series, takes young readers on an exciting adventure to the shores of Tripoli in North Africa. That’s where, more than 200 years ago, the United States was threatened by 'pirates' who snatched American merchant ships and imprisoned sailors—and the country’s young, untested navy took on the task of fighting the pirates in their home waters. This true tale features thrilling ocean battles, hand-to-hand combat, and the first landing on foreign soil by the US Marines, and it’s as fresh and relevant today as when it was first published.
Character compass
Commodore Preble
Steven Decatur
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the pirates in the story?
How did the various characters react to the pirates' actions?
Can you compare the pirates' lifestyle to any other historical figures you know?
What would you have done if you were in the place of one of the captives?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in today's world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of different characters to deepen their empathy and understanding of different perspectives.
Discuss the historical context of the Barbary Pirates, helping to connect the story with real-world history.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the events in the book and moral dilemmas they might face in their own lives.
Create a fun, interactive quiz based on the book to test their recall and incentivize them to pay attention to details.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: The book portrays historical figures bravely confronting the Barbary Pirates, showcasing their resolve in the face of danger.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to act bravely even in small daily challenges, whether standing up against bullying or trying new activities despite fears.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness
Explanation: The narrative provides insight into the Mediterranean piracy era and its impact on international relations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate historical events and understand their relevance to present-day international affairs and cultural interactions.
Example Lesson: Ethical decision-making
Explanation: Characters in the book often face moral dilemmas, such as negotiating peace or engaging in battle, which highlights the complexity of right and wrong.
Real-World Application: It prompts children to think critically about the consequences of their choices and fosters a sense of ethics in dealing with everyday dilemmas.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the protagonists continue to strive for their goals, illustrating the importance of persistent effort.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance in schoolwork, personal goals, and hobbies, emphasizing that success often requires continuous effort.
Example Lesson: Leadership
Explanation: The book exhibits various leaders making strategic decisions under pressure.
Real-World Application: Children learn about the qualities of a good leader and are motivated to develop leadership skills in group projects or team sports.