The Wreck of the Argyll
Adobe EPUB eBook Series
on Goodreads (32)
What’s inside...
When twelve-year-old Nancy suspects one of her teachers is a German spy during 1915 in Dundee, she enlists the help of Jamie Balfour to uncover the plot. Meanwhile, Midshipman Harry Melville is on HMS Argyll in the North Sea, unaware of the dangers from hidden rocks and German schemes threatening the ship. Nancy and Jamie discover that HMS Argyll is in grave danger and find themselves entangled in a web of espionage, secrets, and betrayal, where trust is scarce and deception is rampant. Winner of the Great War Dundee Children's Book Prize.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What lessons do you think Daisy and Sanderson learned during their adventure?
How do Daisy and Sanderson's actions help change the course of events?
What are the main problems the characters face and how do they overcome them?
How do the setting and time period influence the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in Daisy or Sanderson's shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the characters' shoes to deepen understanding and empathy. Discuss not only the plot but also the moral and ethical decisions characters make. This nurtures critical thinking. Relate historical aspects of the story to current events to make the conversation more relevant. Lastly, celebrate your child's responses to foster a positive reading environment and encourage further exploration of literature.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters in 'The Wreck of the Argyll' demonstrate courage as they navigate through dangerous situations during the war.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stay brave and positive even when they face difficult situations at school or in their personal lives.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book work together to solve problems and overcome obstacles, highlighting the value of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of cooperating with others, whether it’s in group projects, sports teams, or family activities.
Example Lesson: The role of quick thinking and resourcefulness
Explanation: The protagonists often have to think on their feet to deal with unexpected challenges, demonstrating cleverness and ingenuity.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by creatively thinking through solutions when they encounter challenges in their studies or daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness and appreciation
Explanation: Set during World War I, the book provides historical context that can broaden a child's understanding of world history and its impact.
Real-World Application: Such knowledge can foster a deeper appreciation and curiosity about history in classroom discussions or personal exploration.
Example Lesson: Integrity and moral decision-making
Explanation: Characters are faced with moral dilemmas that test their values, underpinning the importance of doing what’s right.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to uphold their values and make ethical decisions in their day-to-day life, influencing their character development.