Tom Swift and His Submarine Boat, or, under the Ocean for Sunken Treasure
#4 of 6 in Tom Swift Young Inventor Series
on Goodreads (243)
What’s inside...
Great classic for teenagers. Easy to read for all ages. This book has been deemed as a classic and has stood the test of time. In the story, there is a thrilling moment where an elderly man witnesses a large bird-like figure flying overhead, causing him to jump up in alarm and question what happened. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Character compass
Tom Swift
Captain Weston
Mr. Damon
Barton Swift
Addison Berg
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Tom Swift to build a submarine and search for sunken treasure?
How did Tom and his companions handle the challenges they faced under the ocean?
What are some inventions or tools you would want to create after reading about Tom’s adventures?
How do you think teamwork helped Tom and his friends during their underwater journey?
What would you have done differently if you were in Tom Swift’s place on this adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their own underwater adventure, inspired by Tom Swift's journey.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and ingenuity highlighted in the book, relating them to personal experiences or future aspirations your child might have.
Ask your child to draw or create a list of inventions they dream of building, and discuss how these could be achieved or what problems they might solve.
Highlight the teamwork aspects in the story, and relate them to your child’s experiences in school or with friends, emphasizing how collaboration can lead to success.
Encourage your child to think critically about the decisions Tom made and ask what they would do in similar situations, promoting decision-making skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Innovation and creativity
Explanation: Tom Swift embodies the spirit of innovation as he designs and navigates a submarine to hunt for treasure. His ingenuity is highlighted through the challenges he overcomes using scientific knowledge and inventive skills.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace creativity in problem-solving and understand that science and persistence can lead to exciting discoveries and achievements.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the book, Tom Swift works closely with his father and friends to achieve their goals. The story emphasizes the importance of working together and valuing each person’s contributions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of collaboration and respect in group settings such as school projects or sports teams, where working together is key to success.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Tom and his team face numerous obstacles, from technical difficulties with the submarine to dangerous underwater creatures. Yet, they persistently tackle each challenge with determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that setbacks are a part of any journey, and persisting through difficulties is crucial for achieving one's goals.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The protagonist's quest for sunken treasure is driven by a deep curiosity and desire for knowledge, not just monetary gain. This highlights the joy of learning and discovery.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious about the world around them and to see learning as an adventure that is rewarding in itself.
Example Lesson: Responsible decision-making
Explanation: Tom Swift frequently assesses risks and makes strategic decisions during his underwater expeditions. This illustrates the importance of careful planning and weighing options before acting.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to think through the consequences of their actions and making informed decisions, whether in their academic work or personal life.