Tommy Bell Bushranger Boy: Shoot-out at the Rock
#1 of 8 in Tommy Bell Bushranger Boy Series
What’s inside...
Tommy Bell, Bushranger Boy is a CBCA Children's Book of the Year Notable 2017 and included on the South Australian Premier's Reading Challenge list. This adventurous series follows the time-traveling escapades of Tommy Bell, who is transported back to the Australian gold rush days by wearing a bushranger's hat he found on his grandfather's farm. He encounters famous Australian bushrangers and faces numerous dangers including armed hold-ups, sieges, and shoot-outs. Each book also features a parallel story from Tommy's contemporary life, developing his character and testing his friendships.
Character compass
Tommy Bell
Captain Thunderbolt
Discussion points
What do you think made Tommy Bell decide to travel back in time and how would you feel in his shoes?
How do the choices Tommy makes help him learn about right and wrong?
If you could meet any character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How do Tommy's adventures change the way he sees his own world?
What lessons do you think we can learn from Tommy's experiences with historical figures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use the historical setting to spark curiosity. Ask your child what they know about the era and fill in any gaps together.
Draw parallels between the moral dilemmas Tommy faces and real-life choices your child might encounter.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios by asking, 'What would you do differently if you were Tommy?'
Discuss the significance of friendship and trust showcased in the book, and relate it to your child’s personal experiences.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to write or draw a scene depicting what kind of adventure they would have if they could travel back in time.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: Tommy Bell, the protagonist, learns that every action, whether good or bad, has consequences. Throughout the story, his decisions directly affect the outcomes he faces, teaching the importance of thoughtful choices.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by considering the potential consequences before acting, helping them make more responsible choices in daily interactions and dilemmas.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Tommy relies on his friends and learns to trust and cooperate with them during challenging times. This highlights the significance of friendship and teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to cultivate and value friendships, learning to work together with peers in school projects or during playtime to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: Throughout his adventures, Tommy faces various dangers but demonstrates courage each time. His bravery in confronting challenges is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to face their own fears and challenges, whether it be trying new activities, standing up for themselves, or coping with changes in their life.
Example Lesson: Learning from history
Explanation: As Tommy travels back in time, he learns about historical events and figures, which helps him understand the context of his time travel adventures.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to show an interest in history and understand how past events shape our present, enhancing their educational curriculum and general knowledge.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Tommy often finds himself in situations where he needs to think quickly and creatively to navigate through problems.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to apply problem-solving skills in their own lives, whether in resolving conflicts with friends or overcoming obstacles in schoolwork or personal projects.