I didn’t realize you were moving in July - that’s...
We have introduced ‘Boy Overboard’ as our year 7 text for next year and I have just read it. It was great. Interestingly it begins in Afghanistan, just as ‘The Kite Runner’ did. I am looking forward to learning about Afghanistan and exploring the issues in the novel with my class. We will explore gender stereotypes, journeys, refugees, family, heritage, Afghanistan and soccer. The book contains a lot of humour and it’s at a very accessible reading level.
Morris Gleitzman also wrote ‘Once’ which was similar in that it told the story of a Jewish child, separated from his parents during World War 2 in Germany. I think Gleitzman does a great job of capturing the protection that innocence, and not fully understanding dangerous situations, provides for children. It demonstrates the resilience I have noticed when working with kids who have been caught up in traumatic situations. Â
This novel will be a great way to teach our kids about the plight of refugees and the lack of freedom, many people in the world live with. I am looking hearing to their responses and learning more.
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9 responses so far ↓
1 Cellobella (3 comments.) // Jan 19, 2008 at 7:13 pm
First… love the new look - and that random header!
I loved Boy Overboard too, and the sequel Girl Underground. One of the best things about having kids is the excuse to read all these “kids” books!
2 Joh // Jan 19, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Welcome home Cellobella! Yes, kids books are awesome. I love them.
3 Frogdancer (4 comments.) // Jan 24, 2008 at 8:15 am
Hi! I’ve popped across from the Aussieblogs forum.
My year 7 son has ‘Once’ as one of his texts this year. It sounds like a good read.
4 Pam Thompson // Jan 29, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Hi Joh. I am using Boy Overboard with my 6/7 class this term. Our Year 7s are still in primary school. I love Morris Gleitzman books so am looking forward to it.
5 Rebecca // Jul 15, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Hi, I’m 13 and I know you are all probably adults posting comments,but I would just like to say that I have read this book and I thought it was great! I am currently doing a project on it and I am having alot of fun! I think everyone would enjoy this book. It really gets to your heart as you understand what other families have to go through everyday. So I hope you all enjoy the book as much as I did.
Regards Rebecca
6 Joh // Jul 15, 2008 at 11:09 pm
I’m glad you enjoyed it Rebecca, it’s an enjoyable read. I haven’t got around to reading ‘Girl Underground’ yet, but must soon, as well Morris Gleitzman has a sequel to ‘Once’ called ‘Then’, can’t wait to read that as well.
7 James // Sep 4, 2008 at 1:36 pm
nice book 10/10
8 Stacey // Oct 8, 2008 at 7:39 pm
I have to teach this unit on short notice with Year 7’s who’ve read the book before I got the class but have done no work on it yet. I’d love to know some of the activities you did with your class! Thanks
9 Matt // Oct 13, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Hi I am in class right now supposed to be doing work on this book. I would give it 10/10. Its a fantastic read for anyone to enjoy. Please give it a read you wont regret it!
Cheers
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