The Right-Hand Man
Flambards Series
on Goodreads (26)
What’s inside...
In Georgian England, young Ned Rowlands becomes coachman and right-hand man to reckless Lord Ironminster, who has lost an arm but not his passion for racing. It's 1818, and Ned, known for his speed as a stagecoach driver, catches the eye of Lord Ironminster who is eager to win a racing wager against his cousins, the Savilles. Ned becomes deeply involved in Ironminster's schemes, using his skills to help prevent the Lord's title and estate from being claimed by his rivals.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-17
Length
217 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Ned felt when he was given such a big responsibility by Sir John? Can you relate to how he might have felt?
What are some qualities that make a good leader? Do you see any of these qualities in Ned or Sir John?
Why is teamwork important in achieving a goal, based on what you read in 'The Right-Hand Man'?
How does the friendship between Ned and Kate develop throughout the story? What makes their friendship strong?
If you were in Ned's shoes, what would you have done differently in any situation presented in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the emotions and motivations of the characters by asking how they would feel or react in similar situations.
Discuss the historical setting of the book and how it impacts the characters’ decisions and lifestyles, which helps in understanding the context of the story.
Highlight the importance of perseverance and hard work as demonstrated by Ned, and relate it to personal experiences or goals the child might have.
Ask your child what they learned from the book and how they can apply these lessons in their own life, making the conversation applicable and reflective.
Use examples from the book to talk about the value of friendship and leadership, encouraging your child to share personal insights and draw parallels to their own experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist in 'The Right-Hand Man' deals with significant challenges, showcasing persistence and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through personal challenges, whether they are academic, social, or emotional.
Example Lesson: The value of loyalty and trust
Explanation: The story emphasizes strong relationships built on trust and loyalty, particularly between the main characters.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these principles by building and maintaining trustful relationships with family and friends, understanding the importance of supporting each other.
Example Lesson: Pursuit of passion
Explanation: The main character's dedication to horse driving illustrates the importance of following one's passion.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore and engage deeply with their own interests and hobbies, fostering a sense of fulfillment and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Overcoming societal barriers
Explanation: Characters in the book confront and overcome societal expectations and class barriers, teaching the importance of equality and justice.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and challenge societal norms that may be unfair, advocating for equity in their own interactions.