Stowaway
The Icarus Chronicles Series
What’s inside...
A fictionalized journal relates the experiences of a young stowaway from 1768 to 1771 aboard the Endeavor which sailed around the world under Captain James Cook. In the summer of 1768, an eleven-year-old butcher's apprentice named Nicholas Young climbed aboard a ship, hid himself from captain and crew, and waited to be carried far away from the life he hated in London. Nick didn't know it, but the ship he chose -- H.M.S. Endeavor -- was bound for an adventurous expedition around the world under the leadership of Captain James Cook.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
319 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Nicholas Young
Joseph Banks
Captain Cook
Discussion points
How do you think Nicholas felt when he first discovered he was a stowaway? What would you do in his situation?
What are some ways Nicholas changed throughout his journey? Can you relate to any of his experiences?
How did the relationships between the crew members and Nicholas evolve? Why are relationships important during challenging times?
What role does courage play in this story? Can you share a time when you had to be courageous?
What did you learn about the world during Nicholas’ journey? Was there a favorite place he visited that you’d like to learn more about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start discussions by asking your child to summarize the part of the book they found most interesting. It encourages recall and comprehension. Share your thoughts and experiences related to the themes of adventure and resilience; this can help children connect the story to real-world concepts. Use a globe or map to trace Nicholas' journey; this visual aid might spur interest in geography and history tied to the areas visited in the book. Lastly, celebrate the end of the book by planning a themed activity or craft, like creating a diary or drawing scenes from the book, to reinforce the story and its lessons.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: In 'Stowaway', the young protagonist faces numerous challenges during his clandestine journey on the ship. His continuous effort to overcome hardships highlights the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to approach their personal challenges with determination and not easily give up, whether it be in their studies, sports, or relationships.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the Pursuit of Knowledge
Explanation: The protagonist's innate curiosity drives him to stow away on a voyage that promises new knowledge and adventure. His quest for learning is a central theme throughout the book.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to be curious about the world around them and to seek knowledge through books, exploration, and asking questions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Accountability
Explanation: Throughout the journey, the protagonist learns to take responsibility for his actions and their consequences, which is a significant step in his maturation process.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of being responsible for their actions and learn that their choices have consequences.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: As the protagonist encounters various crew members and natives, his experiences teach him to understand and share the feelings of others, cultivating empathy and compassion.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop stronger relationships by teaching them to consider and respect other people’s feelings and perspectives.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face the Unknown
Explanation: The protagonist shows immense courage by embarking on a perilous journey into the unknown, demonstrating bravery in the face of fear.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to face new experiences and challenges bravely, understanding that stepping out of their comfort zone is a part of growing up.