Blether Board

Just wanted to say today, on the last day of this year’s challenge, what a great idea. Hope it will long continue!

I started Onjali Q. Rauf’s latest offering, The Night Bus Hero, with slight trepidation only because I loved her last two books and didn’t want to be disappointed. I wasn’t! Hooked from the beginning, this was an all-nighter, a read-in-one-go, a page turner. The story manages to tie in two sensitive issues of bullying and the plight of the homeless seamlessly. The characters were lifelike and believable and the author’s note at the end explains why. A tear or two was shed! I will be sharing it with my class very soon.

I will add it to my ever growing tbr pile 😊

Can You See Me? Libby Scott and Rebecca Westport.

I absolutely loved this story. It was moving, insightful and inspirational. I think this is a must read for everyone – children, friends, parents and teachers. The story of autistic Tally and her everyday life is interlaced with diary entries that are packed with Tally’s Tips to help everyone understand her challenges and how best to interact with her. Although she is clear that every autistic person is different ( so may not respond in the same way) it is a lesson in empathy for all.
Rushed out to buy the sequel Do You Know Me? and loved that too!

I have just finished reading the graphic novel El Deafo by Cece Bell – a fantastic read that I highly recommend!

The brilliant storytelling weaved with wonderful illustration provides the reader with a real insight into the life of Cece as a child growing up with hearing loss. We gain great understanding into her perceptions of the world and those around her. Empathy could be greatly enhanced through the use of this book in the classroom – one I will definitely enjoy reading with children in the future.

MegM2710

The TRC team has been so inspired by the sheer volume of reviews being left on the website (1,567 to be precise!) and we know how much you want to see other teachers’ recommendations. So, we’re excited to share our ‘Featured Reviews’ page, where we’ll pick out our top reviews around a different theme, three times a week. Find the page in the tabs banner at the top of the page.

To kick things off, we’ve picked out some of our favourite reviews of mood-boosting books. Do have an explore, but don’t stop sharing your reviews on the ‘Blether’ page here!

Zoe – TRC Team

I have just finished the follow-up to Jenny McLachlan’s Land of Roar – Return to Roar.

Absolutely brilliant, gripping at times and showing the true meaning of friendships and family connections. The ending is truly relevant and significant and clearly demonstrates that bullies can be beaten.

I have just read Riding A Lion by Coral Rumble – a wonderful poetry book for Key Stage 2 with a wealth of topics and moods- playful and thoughtful. Great for discussion and for modelling poetry writing. Highly recommend it.

Larraine Harrison