Two Times a Traitor
on Goodreads (62)
What’s inside...
A fast-paced middle-grade novel by Karen Bass, follows twelve-year-old Laz Berenger who, during a family trip in Halifax, accidentally travels back in time to 1745. Caught in a war zone between English sailors and the French, Laz is forced to spy for the English at the French fortification in Louisbourg. As he becomes close to the kind Commander Morpain, he faces a moral dilemma of betraying the people he has come to love in order to return to his own time.
Age
9-12
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Will
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Laz to make the choices he did throughout the story?
How do you think being in a different time period affected Laz's understanding of loyalty and friendship?
What similarities and differences do you see between your life and Laz's life?
How do you think the story would change if Laz couldn't go back to his original time?
What lessons do you think we can learn from Laz’s adventures and challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Laz's shoes to better understand his decisions and emotions.
Discuss the historical context of the story to give your child a clearer understanding of the setting and its challenges.
Ask your child how they might have reacted in similar situations to generate a deeper connection with Laz's experiences.
Use Laz's journey as a springboard to talk about the importance of understanding history and how it shapes our present.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of actions
Explanation: The protagonist, Laz, finds himself unexpectedly transported back in time due to his impulsive behavior, where he faces significant challenges. This plot twist underscores the importance of thinking before acting.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by considering the potential outcomes before making decisions, helping them to develop better judgment and prevent regrettable actions.
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout his adventures in the past, Laz encounters various characters with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. His interactions teach him to understand and empathize with others, regardless of their circumstances.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children to appreciate diversity and foster an inclusive attitude towards others in school and in social settings.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Laz faces numerous obstacles and life-threatening situations in the story. His ability to persevere and adapt in the face of these challenges highlights the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and develop the resilience needed to overcome personal setbacks and difficulties.
Example Lesson: Valuing history and cultural heritage
Explanation: As Laz navigates through historical events, he gains a deeper appreciation for history and its impact on the present. This fosters a sense of respect for cultural heritage.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to explore and value their own and others' histories and cultures, enhancing their understanding of the world and its diverse narratives.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Laz makes several mistakes throughout his journey, each providing him with valuable lessons and personal growth. The story illustrates that mistakes are a natural part of learning.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to view mistakes as learning opportunities, helping them to tackle new challenges without fear of failure and to continually improve themselves.