The Actual & Truthful Adventures of Becky Thatcher
What’s inside...
In 1860, eleven-year-old Becky Thatcher is determined to have adventures in her new town following her brother Jon's death. With her parents distracted by their own grief, Becky gets involved in mischief with her new friend, Amy Lawrence. Together, they sneak out to steal from the Widow Douglas but end up witnessing a crime. As their silence leads to a wrongful accusation, Becky devises a plan to clear the Widow’s name, hoping to reconnect with her family and honor her promise to Jon. A creative spin on Mark Twain’s beloved characters, this tale reveals Becky Thatcher’s adventurous side.
Age
8-12
Length
215 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Becky Thatcher
Amy Lawrence
Tom Sawyer
Judge Thatcher
Discussion points
How do you think Becky felt when she first met Tom Sawyer, and can you relate to her feelings?
What lessons do you think Becky learned throughout her adventures?
Why do you think Becky made the decisions she did? Would you have done anything differently?
Becky shows a lot of bravery in the story. Can you think of a time when you were brave like her?
How did the setting of the story influence Becky’s adventures? What does this tell us about the importance of where we are?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think deeply about the characters and plot, avoiding yes or no answers to foster a more engaging dialogue.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between Becky’s experiences and their own, fostering empathy and deeper understanding of the character’s motivations and growth.
Discuss the historical and geographical setting of the story to help your child understand the context of Becky’s adventures and how they might differ from today’s world.
After discussing a chapter, encourage your child to predict what might happen next, building anticipation and engagement with the storyline.
Reinforce the themes of bravery and decision-making by relating them to real-life scenarios your child might face or has already encountered.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Becky Thatcher learns through her adventures that being truthful is crucial, even when it's difficult or when the truth might not be what others want to hear.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value honesty in their daily interactions and understand that being honest builds trust and respect in relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing fears
Explanation: Throughout her adventures, Becky shows bravery in confronting challenges that frighten her, demonstrating that courage isn't the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of facing their fears, whether it's trying new activities, standing up for themselves, or dealing with difficult situations at school.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: Becky and her friends support and look out for each other, highlighting how true friendship can provide strength and comfort in tough times.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of building strong, supportive friendships and how being a good friend can positively impact others' lives.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and problem-solving
Explanation: Becky often uses her wits and resources available to solve problems and navigate through her adventures, showing that sometimes, creativity can be the key to overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively and use their resources wisely to solve problems they encounter in school or at home.