Brilliant - BUY IT NOW! I have not been this excited whilst reading a book in ages. I truly could not put it down as each page just drew me in more and more until I had devoured it in one day. Nine, the protagonist, is an orphan made to pickpocket in order to continue living under Pockets' roof. It is during a successful - though rather messy - pickpocket attempt that she finds 'the house at the edge of magic'. A house containing an array of magical mysteries and loveable characters that need Nine's help for their house has been cursed. After a life where love and compassion has been misplaced with disappointment and horrors, is Nine willing to help? Could this be the thing she needs to change her life forever? The array of characters and magical opportunities Sparkes has created are truly astounding. From Mr Flabberghast, a magic-less wizard, to a troll housekeeper, there is someone for everyone to love. My personal favourite was the angry, kilt-wearing, wooden spoon. This book is brilliantly funny, unique in its plot and truly enjoyable from start to finish. My one downside? That there weren't more pages. I would have loved a chapter where Nine explored the many bizarre rooms in the house and am intrigued as to what her room would have looked like. However, this being my one criticism is a true credit to Amy Sparkes as I merely want more of her wonderful words. I truly hope this becomes the first in a long series. EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES: This is perfect as an 'in' to story writing, especially fantasy writing, character descriptions or to highlight that stories include numerous problems. There are also numerous PSHE links as Nine struggles with showing her emotions throughout the book. Other PSHE links can be made but I don't want to give too much of the plot away.
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Well... I have honestly struggled to put into words how moving and incredibly written this book is but I will try my best. 'No ballet shoes in Syria' centres around Aya, an 11 year old child, who is seeking asylum from her war torn country alongside her mother and baby brother. The beginning of the book shows you Aya taking control and speaking to case workers to help her family as her mother doesn't speak English. Whilst doing this, she bumps into Dotty - whose name fits perfectly - and is offered the chance to join the local ballet class; something she has dreamed of doing as she was an avid dancer in Syria. Aya finds herself in emotional turmoil as she struggles to follow her dancing dreams whilst her family fights to survive. Throughout the book, there are flashbacks to Aya's experiences in Syria and these are truly harrowing as you see war from the eyes of a child. However, Burton balances this well with the happy memories of her home and the positivity coming from some of the characters (particularly Dotty). I enjoyed the language used and found the balance of description spot on. Burton certainly encourages you to put yourself in Aya's shoes which, in my opinion, makes this book so powerful. It is heart-warming, eye-opening and an ultimate page-turner. Everyone should read it. I think this book is suitable for Year 6 upwards. I would link it to the WW2 topic as there are links to this in the book, with comparisons made between Syrian refugees and Jewish refugees (during WW2). It is also a brilliant read for PSHE, especially with the current climate, as you can do lots of work on empathy, tolerance and world events.
The thread of teamwork, resilience and using our differences to help us runs through this stunning novel - brilliant for PSHE work - whilst the building of character throughout makes for excellent English study.
I loved the feel of Lemony Snicket in the writing but Tooke definitely makes it her own. Unique plot, loveable characters and twists that keep you hooked. 5 stars from me. Thank you Net Galley and Penguin Random House UK for allowing me preview this excellent book. I highly suggest you all run out and buy yours: out May 14th. A truly mesmerising read filled with wonder, hope and the true power of friendship. Born in a Soviet prison camp, Lina has never seen the outside. That is until she puts all her trust in three fellow inmates and escapes one snowy night, with her friend Bogdan. However, the road to Moscow is not smooth and she must use all her strength, courage and a hint of magic to complete her journey and avoid the evil sorceress. A great book for Y5/6. Would be perfect for fictional pieces of writing: diaries, character descriptions, stories etc... as well as the stem for some PSHE discussions. A unique, mesmerising must-read for children of 7/8+. Everybody wants to be 'perfect' don't they? Not Violet. All she wants is for her mam to stop baking and her dad to come home from work earlier but nothing is as it seems in Perfect. From the start of the story, I felt I knew where it was going to go and whilst being right I was also very wrong. With plot twists and rich characters, I was kept on my toes and constantly wanting to continue. I cannot wait to start the second book and am already excited to come up with various activities to engage my class with this wonderful text. A truly captivating and unique page-turner. Combine 12-year-old piper Patch Brightwater, Wren – a noble girl under a rat-shaped curse - and Barver, a fearsome dracogriff, and what do you get? A MASTERPIECE. From start to finish, I enjoyed every page of this wonderful plot-driven fantasy book. The mixture of relatable characters, splash of magic and curious settings makes for an exciting read that leaves you only wanting more. I loved this book so much I bought numerous copies for my class and we all said the same ... "when will the next book be available?!" I urge teachers, children from 7 upwards and parents to go out and buy this book. You will not regret it. |
Author- Avid Reader Archives
May 2020
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