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A space for recommended books as well as news on books and authors.
Author lot of visits!
THOMAS BLOOR Thomas Bloor visited Year 5 on Monday 17th November 2008. Thomas carried out a workshop based on the theme of transformation or metamorphosis (Werewolves, Greek myths, Kafka etc.) and how his Worm in the Blood trilogy (See below) fitted into that tradition. He also read a short story, and talked about stories and story writing. He then asked the children to carry out an exercise using shoes as a starting point, in which they invented a character and then began to imagine a dramatic transformation scene involving their character. The session ended with a Q & A session on writing and time was allowed for signing books. See some of the exercises on this website soon.
Cliff McNish
Cliff McNish will be visiting Year 5 in the Spring Term 2009.
Michael Morpurgo
Michael Morpurgo and Michael Foreman are signing books at Muswell Hill Children's Bookshop on Saturday 6th December 2008 between 11 and 12noon.
Children's books at the theatre
'Skellig' by David Almond is at the Shaw Theatre from the 4th November 2008.
Parents might like to take a group of children to the Shaw Theatre between the 4th and 13th of November 2008 to see the Birmingham Stage Company's adaptation of the bestselling children's book - Skellig. The Birmingham Stage Company also produced the 'Terrible Tudors' show that Year 5 saw recently at the Bloomsbury Theatre. This brilliant and highly recommended book is by one of Mr. W's favourite children's authors - David Almond.
Here is a review of 'Skellig' by David Beagley This is a beautifully written, lyrical book that challenges the reader to investigate layers of meaning and the blur between fantasy and reality. While it is marketed for young teens, it would be best appreciated by advanced readers who are prepared to take up these challenges. The central character, Michael, is trying to deal with so many things - a desperately sick baby sister in hospital, preoccupied parents, shifting house, and the expectations of friends - when he finds someone, something, Skellig, at the back of the old shed. Without knowing who or what he has found, but understanding his weakness and need, Michael and his new friend Mina care for him and try to understand this creature from another life. Through this Michael observes the events and issues around his own troubles: his parents, helpless and floundering in the face of their baby's illness, the cold authority of the hospital, characterised by Michael's perception of 'Doctor Death', the inability of everyday friends to communicate. All of this flows around Michael as he grapples to find his own secure understandings. The language of Skellig is not difficult, though it does reflect its English setting. Much of the book is sparely written conversation rather than long descriptive passages, so the reader must fill in expression and mood. This works very well to build a highly personal awareness of Michael's feelings. David Almond often uses references to details such as William Blake's poetry or the life cycle of birds which may require some extension for younger readers, but this is one more of the challenges of this book. The story ends optimistically, as Michael and Mina discover as much about themselves as their rescued Skellig. Readers willing to take up the challenges that David Almond presents will find this book an extremely moving and though-provoking examination of such discoveries.
Fred Friday
Fred is a character from a brilliant set of books about a little girl called Toots who finds herself in an amazing series of adventures in an upside-down world. To find out more about these brilliant books that are perfect for the average Year 5 reader, look out on this page for Mr. Whiting's review. Fred Friday is held every Friday in class 5W. Children may bring in a small cuddly toy with at least 10p which is donated to the school's Helping Hands charity funds. Ask your child about Fred Friday now. 5W Recommended Books Section - The place to be! All the following recommended books can be found on Amazon unless stated otherwise. Something from Mr. W's bookshelf...
Recommended by : Mr. Whiting (30.9.08) Title: Worm in the Blood by Thomas Bloor 'Worm in the Blood introduces Sam Lim-Evans, a 14-year old boy preoccupied with ordinary teenaged problems until he finds his life transformed by a mysterious birthright, something that has lain dormant within the very fabric of his DNA, until now. How Sam tries to cope with these involuntary changes forms the heart of a story that balances brooding realism with painful fantasy, to powerful effect.' Thomas Bloor has a unique style which first came to my attention in his debut children's book The Memory Prisoner. I like the way Bloor uses simple but powerful imagery that children can understand and encourages them to use similar ideas in their own writing. Worm in the Blood is the first book in the excellent Metamorphosis trilogy. Although aimed at slightly older children (don't get put off by the age of the main character) its content is very suitable for good Year 5 readers.  Recommended by: Rosa 5W (WC 29.9.08) Title: The Artist in the Blue House by Frida Kahlo Read Rosa's review below. We're looking forward to looking at it in class this week. I recommend this book because it's got very good questions for kids about a weird and wonderful artist from Mexico. When she was eighteen she had a bad accident and had to stay in bed for a very long time and was paralised. Take a look at her paintings. They are weird and full of symbolism and imagery. She likes collage and every time you look at the painting you find things that you did not notice before. If you like art, you'll love this book. Bye for now. Rosa
Recommended by: Christos 5W (WC 6.10.08) Title: The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd This book, although recommended by Christos, is also a favourite of Mr. Whiting's. It is very suitable for all able readers in Year 5. Read Christos' review below. Have you ever been on the London Eye? This is the story of two children called Ted and Kat who live in London and their cousin Salim who comes to stay with them. One day they all visit the South Bank and Salim disappears after taking a ride on the London Eye. At first Ted and Kat have no idea what could have happened to Salim but Ted is very clever at solving puzzles and Kat is brave and together they have a whole series of adventures around London as they search for Salim. One of my favourite episodes is when they travel on their own by tube to Earl's Court where a motorbike exhibition is taking place because they believe that Salim might be there. There is a brilliant decription of the enormous exhibition halls full of the din and fumes of motorbikes and the bustling crowds of biking enthusiasts. Although the bikers look a bit fierce and scary in their black leather and tattoos they turn out to be quite friendly and helpful to the children. I think this is an exciting book because of all the strange events that Ted and Kat experience in their hunt for Salim and the places they visit. There are also many intriguing clues which Ted and Kat must investigate in order to work out the mystery of Salim's disappearance. It is a very compelling read, especially the section where Salim spends two days on his own around London. I think anyone who enjoys detective stories or unusual adventure stories would like this book. The author also tells us some interesting facts about the London Eye, for example how high it is and how wide, heacy etc. I would give this book 9/10. by Christos 5W
Recommended by : Mr. Whiting (11.10.08) Title: The Earth Giant by Melvin Burgess Melisa brought this book into school recently. It's a little gem of a story that I read in one reading last year when researching children's books. I quote: it is a haunting story of two children's efforts to shelter and save a mysterious giant following the destruction of an ancient oak tree during a great storm. The girl, Amy, hides the giant woman in a disused cinema and later Amy's brother, Peter, helps her to reunite the stranger with her own people.
Recommended by : Eleanor W (WC 13.10.08) Title: The Diamond of Drury Lane by Julia Golding Find out more about this book soon. It's on display in class now.
 Recommended by : Georgia (WC 3.11.08) Title: Celandine by Steve Augarde (sequel to The Various) Must say that I have been highly impressed by the books brought in by 5W so far. This book is already on my wanted list as it's just the kind of children's story I love to read. Michael W
Set in 1915, 70 years before The Various (2004), this second of a trilogy continues the story of an ancient tribe of little people hidden from the human world. When 13-year-old Celandine encounters Fin, one of the little people living on a wooded hill on her father's farm in Somerset, she is initially incredulous, but also enchanted. Lonely and unhappy, Celandine moves easily between the real and the imaginary, accepting the little people as the friends she lacks. Sent away to boarding school, Celandine is bullied and then heartbroken when her brother dies in the war. Overwhelmed, she flees, hiding in the woods with the little people, who provide needed refuge and comfort. When the Ickri, a hostile tribe of little people, storm the woods, Celandine's presence is a danger to all. She must return to her own world and learn to survive. Intertwining elements from the English fairy-fantasy and boarding-school genres, Augarde creates a familiar yet entirely original world, a very sympathetic heroine and an absolutely riveting adventure that isn't over yet. Stay tuned. (Fiction. 10-14) (Kirkus Reviews) Georgia's review. I think that 'Celadine' is a fantastic book. It makes you forget your in the year 2008 and think your in the year 1915! The book takes you to Mount Pleasent School for girls where Celandine is bullied and teased for her repetitive running away. When Celadine runs away your heart beats fast and when she finds 'The Various' once more you cheer. Over all I think that Celadine is a brilliant story which pulls you in and immerses you in its story.
Recommended by : Alex (WC 10.11.08) Title: The Fellowship of the Ring by J R R Tolkien Details to follow.
Recommended by : Lucia (WC 17.11.08) Title: Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome Lucia's book review... “To John, Susan, Roger and Titty, just being allowed to take the sailing ship “Swallow” and camp on what is now their little island is enough of an adventure in itself, but they soon find themselves dealing with Amazon pirates, Captain Flint and charcoal burners.”
I chose this book because it has lots of excitement and adventure. The story is based on Lake Coniston in the Lake District, a place I often go with my family. It is fairly easy to read (if you understand how to talk when you’re on a ship!). It is about some boys and girls called John, Susan, Roger and Titty (the Swallows) and some girl pirates called Nancy and Peggy (the Amazons). In the story the Swallows land on the island and get attacked by the Amazons, who immediately become friends with them. The time that follows includes alliances, a war between themselves and a battle with Captain Flint.
My favourite character is Titty because she always has a lot to say and is extremely imaginative. She is also very adventurous. Like when the Swallows need someone to stay on the island she is the first to volunteer. At the end… no, maybe I shouldn’t tell you…Oh all right I will. At the end Titty and Roger go on a hunt for treasure. The treasure is Captain Flint’s chest. Their hunt is successful and Captain Flint promises them both a smashing present.
I won’t tell you any more about it now. GO ON AND READ IT YOURSELF!! Swallows and Amazons is a truly great book and I recommend it to all confident readers.
Recommended by : Matthew (WC 24.11.08) Title: George's Secret Key to the Universe by Lucy & Stephen Hawking Found out soon about this brilliant book which is a mix of fact and fiction with some super illustrations.
Recommended by : Mr Whiting (27.11.08) Title: Toots and the Upside-Down House by Carol Hughes This is a hidden classic. The first of three books about a little girl called Toots and her adventures in an upside-down world. A book with goblins and sprites, Jack Frost, an overweight fairy, and a whole lot more weird and wonderful characters. Unlike many of the books of today gorged by high fantasy and magic, or reliant on technology; this is a story with a beautiful moral and message about the importance of love, friendship, and forgiveness. Comparisons can be made to Alice in Wonderland, but this book is highly original, compelling, and above all free of modern influences that some might say are a bad influence. It's a book difficult to find on a bookshelf, but available second-hand on Amazon. The good news is that the second book in this series is even better and possibly the 'perfect' story for an important message. Find out more about this book soon. Children who read this series in Year 5 will able to make a Toots Top Trump Set in the summer term during art and ICT lessons. 'Toots has the makings of a modern classic' Sandi Toksvig |
Book Club
May I introduce to Fred the teddy bear. He has been a friend of Mr. Whiting's for some years now and can be found on the bookcase in 5W.
Something from Mr. W's bookshelf...
