The Warriors: Part 1: The Wetzels (The Story of the Ohio Valley American Indians)
#1 of 18 in The Warriors series
What’s inside...
The Warriors trilogy is a true story set during the American Revolutionary War period and shortly afterwards. It vividly depicts the struggle of indigenous people in the Ohio country as they fought to protect their land and way of life from European emigrants. The story begins in 1777, and follows the Munsee warrior Knotche, who leads a raid across the Ohio River to avenge his father's murder and reclaim hunting grounds. Along the way, they capture two spirited boys and choose to train them as warriors instead of taking their scalps. The narrative explores the transformation of Lewis Wetzel, who becomes a revered and feared figure among settlers, and the ongoing conflicts and diminishing prospects of various native tribes, including the Wyandot, Mingo, Lenape, and Shawnee. These tribes battle against American forces, facing broken treaties and encroachments that ultimately lead to their displacement from Ohio.
Discussion points
How do you think the daily life of the Wetzels differed from ours today?
What can we learn from the way the Ohio Valley American Indians lived and interacted with nature?
Why is it important to understand and respect different cultures, including those of the American Indians depicted in the book?
What emotions do you think the characters felt during their experiences, and why?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today's world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize open-ended questions that allow your child to express their thoughts and emotions about the story.
Relate themes from the book to your child’s everyday experiences, such as teamwork, respect for nature, and cultural diversity.
Encourage your child to imagine being part of the story, asking them what decisions they would make in the characters' places.
Discuss the historical context of the book to give your child a deeper understanding of the time period and events.
Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing how understanding different perspectives leads to enriched relationships and communities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for different cultures
Explanation: The book portrays the lifestyle, traditions, and values of the Ohio Valley American Indians, showing the depth and richness of their culture.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect cultural diversity in their own communities, fostering inclusivity and understanding.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The story highlights how the American Indian communities worked together to overcome challenges and achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with others at school or in sports, understanding that teamwork can lead to success.
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: The characters in the book face significant challenges but demonstrate bravery and resilience in overcoming them.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to face their own challenges with courage, whether it’s dealing with a difficult situation at school or trying something new.
Example Lesson: Learning from history
Explanation: The book offers historical insights about the American Indians of the Ohio Valley, teaching readers about the consequences of historical events.
Real-World Application: Children can become more aware of history's impact on the present and understand the importance of learning from past events to make informed decisions.