About This Book
Charlotte and the Golden Promise is a historical adventure story set in 1865 New Zealand, following young Charlotte as she rebels against the traditional expectations for girls of her era. Instead of settling into a life of domesticity, Charlotte, with her friend Cyril, runs away to the exciting, yet challenging, Otago goldfields. The book explores themes of independence, perseverance, and the courage to pursue one's dreams against societal norms. It's a engaging read for children aged 4-11, offering a glimpse into a fascinating historical period while celebrating a strong, determined female protagonist.
'I'm sure it'll be much more fun at the goldfields'.Dunedin, 1865 Charlotte loves to play marbles with her best friend Harry and read about adventures on the high seas. But Charlotte will have to leave school soon and help her mother with the house and the younger children. Charlotte can't imagine anything worse. When it looks like her mother is going to keep her home for good, Charlotte and her new friend Cyril board a Cobb & Co coach and head to Hogburn Gully, where the Otago gold rush is in full swing. But the mining town isn't what Charlotte imagined. Can Charlotte find a fortune in the goldfields? Or will she have to return home to a narrow life of sewing, cooking and looking after her little sisters?
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Discussion Prompts
1
What kind of life did Charlotte's mother expect her to have? How was that different from what Charlotte wanted?
2
Do you think Charlotte was brave to go to the goldfields? What was the bravest thing she did?
3
What challenges did Charlotte face at the goldfields that she didn't expect?
4
How important was friendship to Charlotte on her journey?
5
If you lived in 1865, what kind of adventure would you want to have?
6
What does it mean to make your own promise to yourself, like Charlotte did?
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