Walter Tull's Scrapbook
on Goodreads (15)
What’s inside...
Walter Tull's Scrapbook, by Michaela Morgan, is a biographical account that pays tribute to the life of Walter Tull, one of the first black professional footballers in the UK and the first black officer in the British Army during World War I. The book is presented in a scrapbook format, combining historical documents, photographs, and illustrations with narrative text to tell the story of Tull's remarkable achievements against the backdrop of racism and adversity. It covers his early life in an orphanage, his football career with Tottenham Hotspur and Northampton Town, and his military service, where he showed exceptional bravery and leadership. Tull's legacy as a pioneer in sports and military is celebrated, and the scrapbook style makes his story accessible and engaging for younger readers, highlighting themes of determination, equality, and resilience.
Age
7-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Walter Tull
Discussion points
What challenges did Walter Tull face and how did he overcome them?
Why do you think it was important for Walter Tull to keep a scrapbook?
How does Walter Tull's story inspire you in your own life?
What did you learn about history and equality from this book?
How can we apply the lessons from Walter Tull's life to our everyday actions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by asking your child what they already know about Walter Tull and the time period of the story to build on existing knowledge.
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences with themes in the book, such as overcoming obstacles or standing up for what’s right, to deepen their understanding.
Highlight the power of determination by discussing how Walter Tull’s perseverance and courage led to his achievements despite numerous challenges.
Boost connection and empathy by considering together how Walter felt in different parts of his story and asking your child how they might have felt in similar situations.
Use the scrapbook element of the book to inspire a creative project where your child can create their own scrapbook page about an important event or person in their lives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming adversity
Explanation: Walter Tull faces racial prejudice and significant personal loss but shows resilience and determination to achieve his goals, becoming one of the first mixed-race army officers and a professional footballer.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges. This can inspire them to tackle obstacles in their own lives, such as difficulties in school or social settings.
Example Lesson: Equality and justice
Explanation: Through Walter Tull's story, the book emphasizes the importance of treating everyone equally regardless of their race or background, highlighting Walter's struggle for justice in his life and career.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice fairness and advocate for justice in their daily interactions with peers and in broader societal contexts.
Example Lesson: Courage and leadership
Explanation: Walter exemplifies courage on the battlefield and in confronting societal prejudices, leading by example and breaking barriers in military leadership roles traditionally closed to people of color.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of courage in standing up for themselves and others, and the importance of leadership in making positive changes in their communities.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness
Explanation: The book provides a historical context about race and the military during World War I, offering insights into the past struggles and achievements of individuals like Walter Tull.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate history and understand its impact on the present, fostering a deeper respect for the contributions of diverse figures.
Example Lesson: Inspiration to achieve
Explanation: Despite societal odds, Walter Tull achieved greatness in professional sports and military service, showing that one can reach high positions with determination and hard work.
Real-World Application: This story motivates children to aspire for high achievements in their own lives, using their talents and working hard towards their goals.