Trouble in Teutonia
#1 in The Teutonia Chronicles Series
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
A retro-style adventure set in 1957, this book is perfect for 9-12 year olds interested in the Cold War and the Space Race. It features a spooky castle, a kidnapped teenager, a mysterious bunker, and a stolen jet – all elements of a thrilling story filled with danger, dastardly deeds, fiendish foes, and some heroic characters. The book was shortlisted for the Rubery Book Award in 2015, praised by judges as being 'Exciting, dramatic, page-turning.'
Discussion points
What would you do if you were in the protagonist's shoes and faced a similar trouble?
How did the characters’ actions help resolve the conflict in Teutonia?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of the story?
How can we apply the lessons from the book to our daily lives?
If you could change one thing in Teutonia, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Change your tone, speed, and volume to match the emotions and actions in the story to make the experience more immersive for your child.
Ask predictive questions: Pause at critical moments and ask your child what they think might happen next. This builds anticipation and engagement.
Relate to real-life scenarios: After reading, relate situations in the book to real-life events or decisions your child might encounter, enhancing their understanding and empathy.
Encourage creativity: Ask your child to draw or write an alternate ending to the story, fostering creativity and deeper thinking about the characters' choices.
Discuss personal connections: Encourage your child to share any personal experiences that relate to the story to deepen their connection to the themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: Throughout 'Trouble in Teutonia', characters must work together to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn to collaborate with peers in school projects or during play, understanding that collective effort can achieve greater outcomes.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous challenges but remains determined and never gives up, teaching the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist through difficulties in their tasks, whether in academics, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Characters in the story often empathize with each other's situations, fostering a nurturing environment.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by understanding and respecting the feelings and viewpoints of others, aiding in social interactions and building stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The book presents various scenarios where characters use critical thinking to resolve conflicts.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to apply logical thinking and creativity to overcome obstacles in real life, enhancing their decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: Diverse characters in 'Trouble in Teutonia' come together despite their differences, promoting inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace and celebrate diversity among their peers, which is essential in today’s global community.