Monthly Archives: July 2012

Reading books and ideas for when boys and girls (but especially boys) fall behind in their reading

Posted on July 22, 2012 by Yvonne Keen

It is well documented* that there is a “reading gender gap” between boys and girls and that it is growing.  Schools are attempting to address reading issues by using synthetic phonics to teach the mechanics of reading from Reception onwards.  And … Continue reading →

Posted in Age 8-10, Bradman, Tony, Breslin, Theresa, Cann, Kate, Cottrell Boyce, Frank, Morgan, Michaela, Palmer, Tom, Pre-teen, Teenage | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Giver by Lois Lowry: from Utopia to Dystopia. A powerful story about what it is to be human.

Posted on July 13, 2012 by Yvonne Keen

Jonas lives in a community which seeks order, conformity.  The Elders of the Community call it Sameness.    Sameness, it is thought, will protect the community’s citizens from pain, hunger, fear, violence, mistakes, wrong choices.  It is extended to all parts of … Continue reading →

Posted in Lowry, Lois, Pre-teen, Teenage, Young Adult | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Rubbish Town Hero by Nicola Davies: A Little Babbler Review by Rose, age 9, from High Wycombe

Posted on July 11, 2012 by Yvonne Keen

Chipo and his sister Gentle, live in a bomb crater outside Rubbish Town, where everything and everyone has been thrown away at least once. With no parents or family to protect them, Chipo is convinced that his ability to think quick … Continue reading →

Posted in Age 8-10, Davies, Nicola, Pre-teen, Teenage | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Leopard Adventure by Anthony McGowan: a contemporary re-imagining of the classic animal adventure series to mark the 125th anniversary of Willard Price’s birthday

Posted on July 4, 2012 by Yvonne Keen

“…a mother Amur leopard, one of the rarest big cats in the world, was sniffing the air suspiciously. It should have been a good time.  The two cubs had fed on her rich milk, and they now wormed their way … Continue reading →

Posted in Age 8-10, McGowan, Anthony, Pre-teen, Price, Willard, Teenage | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment