Voyage of the Sparrowhawk
on Goodreads (653)
What’s inside...
In the aftermath of World War One, individuals in the small town of Barton are trying to rebuild their lives. Ben, an orphan, must find his missing brother, Sam, a wounded soldier, to avoid being sent to the orphanage. Lotti, threatened with boarding school by her uncaring relatives, and Clara, a young teacher awaiting news of her missing fiancé, join Ben. They embark on an adventure across the English Channel on Ben’s narrowboat, the Sparrowhawk, to find Sam and what Lotti seeks in France. Amidst storms, police pursuits, and gathering canine companions, their journey becomes a quest for their loved ones and a place to belong. This adventure-filled story won the 2020 Costa Children's Book Award and was recognized as a Best Children's Book of 2021 by Kirkus Reviews and a Best Book of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times.
Age
8-12
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ben
Lotti
Harriet
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make Lotti and Ben strong leaders during their journey?
How did the friends they met along the way change their voyage? Can you think of a time when a friend helped you in an important way?
What do you think the Sparrowhawk symbolizes in the story?
How do Lotti and Ben show courage and resilience in facing their challenges?
What lessons did you learn from the adventure of Lotti and Ben?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think deeply about the themes of friendship, leadership, and adventure. Ask them to relate the story to their own experiences, which can help them connect more personally to the book. Discuss the historical setting of the book to give them a broader understanding of the world Lotti and Ben navigated. Above all, listen attentively to your child’s thoughts and encourage them to explore their feelings about the story’s events and characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and resilience
Explanation: In 'Voyage of the Sparrowhawk', the young protagonists, Ben and Lotti, navigate numerous challenges on their journey across the English Channel. Their ability to overcome obstacles and remain determined showcases the essence of perseverance and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these principles in their own lives by staying determined through difficult situations in school or in learning new skills, understanding that challenges are part of the process.
Example Lesson: Friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, the bond between Ben, Lotti, and their friends demonstrates the power of friendship and collaboration. They rely on each other's strengths to navigate their journey successfully.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, which can be mirrored in group activities at school or cooperative games.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As Ben and Lotti encounter other characters with their own stories and struggles, they learn to understand and empathize with different perspectives and backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be empathetic towards their peers who might come from diverse backgrounds or have different experiences, promoting inclusivity and understanding in the community.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonists face and solve various problems during their voyage, using their wit and resources creatively.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to think critically and creatively in solving their own problems, whether they are academic challenges, disputes with friends, or other obstacles.
Example Lesson: Courage to follow one’s dreams
Explanation: Ben and Lotti's audacious plan to reunite with people they love, despite the odds, illustrates the courage required to pursue one’s dreams.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the value of setting personal goals and having the courage to follow through, despite fears and uncertainties, encouraging children to dream big and work towards their aspirations.