Tess
on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
In 1857, twelve-year-old Tess Roy's life in Castle Dunroy, Scotland is upended when her mother dies and a new landlord evicts her and her father from their ancestral farm. They embark on a journey to the New World aboard the ship Borealis, bound for Fort Victoria, Vancouver Island. During the voyage, Tess befriends impoverished girls and a young prospector named Jock. Upon arrival, Tess encounters diverse settlers and learns about the local trade in women. Tess and her father work to build a new life in this unfamiliar and complex environment. This historical fiction vividly portrays a transformative voyage and the challenges of settling in North America during the 1850s.
Age
12-15
Length
296 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Tess felt when she made new friends?
What would you have done if you were in Tess's shoes during her adventure?
Why do you think Tess decided to help the animals she met?
What lessons can we learn from Tess about friendship and bravery?
If you could add another character to the story, who would they be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Tess's shoes, which helps build empathy and understanding. Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life and keep your child engaged. After reading, connect the story to your child's personal experiences to make the themes more relatable. Discuss the decisions Tess makes in the book and ask your child what they would have done differently to foster critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Tess', the protagonist navigates complex emotions as she interacts with others, helping children understand the importance of considering other people's feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by noticing when a friend or family member is sad or upset and offering a listening ear or a comforting word.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Tess faces numerous challenges throughout the story, and her perseverance teaches children the value of resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied when children encounter difficulties, whether in school or in extracurricular activities, encouraging them to keep trying and not give up easily.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Tess learns through various scenarios that honesty is crucial in building trust and maintaining relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be honest in their daily interactions, understanding that truthfulness strengthens friendships and trust in their community.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: The book highlights Tess's creative solutions to problems, showing children that thinking outside the box is valuable.
Real-World Application: Kids can embrace creativity in school projects or in resolving conflicts with peers, understanding that unique ideas are often very effective.