Treemonisha
What’s inside...
Treemonisha, the daughter of freed slaves in the post-Civil War South, gets an education and devotes herself to lifting her people out of poverty and ignorance. An adaptation of the opera by Scott Joplin follows the slick dealings of conjure man Zodzetrick, who preys upon the unsuspecting people of post-Civil War Arkansas until the educated young Treemonisha foils his scheme.
Age
7-10
Length
37 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Treemonisha
Remus
Ned
Monisha
Zodzetrick
Discussion points
Why do you think Treemonisha was chosen to lead her community? What qualities make a good leader?
How do the community members support each other in the story? Can you think of ways we help each other in our family or community?
What lessons does Treemonisha teach about courage and wisdom?
How do the characters in the book overcome their challenges? What can we learn from their experiences?
What are your thoughts about the importance of education, as shown through Treemonisha's journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to summarize the story in their own words, encouraging them to express their understanding and interpretation.
Utilize open-ended questions listed above to invite deeper thinking and connect the themes of the story to your child’s personal experiences.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios in the story to foster creativity and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the historical and cultural context of the story to enhance comprehension and appreciation of the book’s themes.
Reinforce the values depicted in the story such as leadership, community support, and the importance of education through daily family practices and conversations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of education
Explanation: In 'Treemonisha,' the protagonist values education as a tool for personal and community empowerment, reflecting this through her leadership.
Real-World Application: Children can recognize the role of education in enhancing their capabilities and making informed decisions, encouraging them to value and pursue learning opportunities.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Treemonisha faces various challenges but remains determined to bring positive change to her community, showcasing perseverance.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to remain steadfast and resilient when encountering obstacles, understanding that challenges can be faced and overcome with persistence.
Example Lesson: The impact of mentorship and guidance
Explanation: Treemonisha is guided by her elders, who impart wisdom that shapes her path forward, highlighting the benefits of guidance and mentorship.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and seek guidance from mentors such as teachers, family members, and community leaders, aiding their personal and ethical development.
Example Lesson: Promoting social change
Explanation: The protagonist uses her education to challenge and improve outdated societal norms, demonstrating leadership in promoting progressive change.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically about societal norms and inspires them to champion positive change within their own communities.
Example Lesson: Unity and community cooperation
Explanation: Through Treemonisha’s leadership, the community learns to work together to overcome challenges, emphasizing the power of unity.
Real-World Application: Children understand the importance of teamwork and cooperation, learning how collaborative efforts can lead to achieving common goals and solving problems.