Thunderbolt's Waxwork (New Cut Gang)
#1 in The New Cut Gang Series
What’s inside...
The New Cut Gang is a loose group of urchins ranging from 6-year-old Sharky Bob to 13-year-old Bridie Malone. They inhabit the streets around Lambeth Walk and the New Cut in 1892, a place bristling with gangsters, bookies, pickpockets, horse thieves and the occasional policeman.
Character compass
Thunderbolt Dobney
Benny Kaminsky
Zerlina Peretti
Angela Peretti
Discussion points
How do you think Benny and Thunderbolt felt when they started their detective adventure? Do you ever feel the same when starting something new?
What do you think about the way the gang worked together to solve the mystery? How important is teamwork in achieving goals?
If you could be friends with any character from the book, who would it be and why?
What did you learn from the book about telling the truth and being honest?
How would you have handled the situation differently if you were in Thunderbolt's place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, asking how they might feel or react in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and collaboration as showcased in the book, and relate it to real-life scenarios in school or during play.
Prompt your child to think critically about the characters’ decisions and the consequences, fostering their analytical thinking.
Use examples from the book to talk about values such as honesty, bravery, and loyalty, reinforcing these concepts through daily examples.
Highlight the fun and excitement of reading and solving mysteries, motivating them to engage more deeply with the story and other books.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout 'Thunderbolt's Waxwork,' the New Cut Gang, a group of spirited children, work together to solve mysteries and face challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of working cooperatively with others, whether in school projects or in group activities.
Example Lesson: Honesty and integrity
Explanation: The characters in the book often face moral dilemmas where they must choose to act with honesty, showcasing the positive outcomes of truthful behaviors.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of being honest in their daily interactions and the long-term benefits of maintaining integrity.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and critical thinking
Explanation: The narrative sees the gang solving puzzles and uncovering truths, which encourages analytical thinking and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to approach problems thoughtfully and persistently in their own lives, enhancing their decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: Actions taken by the characters lead to various consequences, teaching readers about cause and effect.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their actions have repercussions and encourages them to think before acting.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding diverse perspectives
Explanation: The diverse backgrounds of the characters allow readers to see situations from various points of view, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and understand the perspectives of others around them, which is crucial in building respectful and inclusive relationships.