Book 9: Matilda

Book Title: Matilda
Author: Roald Dahl
Year: 1988
Genre: Comedy

The novel 'Matilda' is about a young girl named Matilda who is a genious intellect. Her parents refuse to believe her intellectual abilities, so she begins to play pranks on them to release all her anger. Eventually she begins schooling with the nicest teacher Miss Honey, who sees that Matilda is way above the rest of the other students within the classroom, in terms of intellectual abilities. Miss Honey tries to push Matilda up to higher grades, but due to a 'bully' of a principle; Miss Trunchbull she will not let her. Towards the end of the novel Miss Trunchball flees her house, which in turn becomes Miss Honey's house by her father's will and Matilda ends up living with her.

This novel would be most suited to middle-upper primary students. It is an enjoyable book to read, and students would find it quite humerous as well as having a good storyline. Roald Dahl has written various books that have got various awards. The storyline followed a basic narrative structure, having a beginning, middle (climax) and an end.

Book 13: Matilda

Matilda
Written by Ronald Dahl and illustrated by Quentin Blake

Matilda is one of the most well known adolescent novels. Matilda is a little girl who slowly discovers her brilliance and her parents don't even know it. She takes you on a journey through school, home life, and Miss Honey. Matilda must survive school which is ruled by the frightening Miss Trunchball. Ronald Dahl takes his readers into a world of one little girl enduring cruelty, loneliness and an overwhelming power to teach lesson to the adults in her life. 

This book is for children from 8 to 12 years old.

Matilda by Ronald Dahl can be used in a classroom very effectively. Children can explore vocabulary, activities/writing based upon events in the story, and guided reading about inferring. 

Children can work with the narrative structure, creative writing tasks such as 'if you had telekinesis I would....' 

Book 12: Always Jack

Always Jack
Written by Susanne Gervay and illustrated by Cathy Wilcox

This particular book the third instalment of the Jack series. With collaboration with Cancer Council NSW and National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre this book tackles the difficult issue. Jack is dealing with a lot of issues at the moment, girls, his mother getting married, and moving house. Readers experience Jacks emotions through the diagnosis, treatment and after-shock. Despite the storyline and setting having a heavy topics, the book is funny and quirky. The book teaches children who aren't in this situation understanding and empathy; for kids who are experiencing a similar situation or gone through it that they're not alone and whatever 

emotions they are experiencing they are okay and normal.

Book 11: The Wildkin's Curse

The Wildkin's Curse

Written by Kate Forsyth

Three teenagers embark on an adventure loaded with excitement, evil, love, treachery, and fulfilment. Set in a land of mythical creatures and magic, the characters have a quest to rescue a Wildkin princess. Kate Forsyth creates a lively adventure through her vivid descriptions, different characters and plot.

It is a good introduction to fantasy to children. This book is for children aged 12 to 15 because of its mature themes and concepts as well as the nature of the characters.

Book 10: Willy the Wimp

Willy the Wimp

Written and illustrated by Anthony Browne

Willy is a chimp who gets pushed and bullied a lot by the bigger people. One day he decided to change. This particular book can be used in guided reading and lessons. It is orientated around self-awareness, problem solving, cultivating positive qualities, and positive thinking. 

Book 8: Too many Elephants in this House



Book Title: Too many Elephants in this House

Author: Ursula Dubosarsky-Andrew Joyner

Year Published: 2012

Genre: Children's Literature

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This children's book is about a boy named Eric having too many elephants in his house which is causing a problem. Erics mum says they have to go because they are taking up too much space but Eric loves them all the same. Eric comes up with a solution to help to his very big problem. This book would be a fun book to read outloud to a class as well as help in creating their own elephant in art. This book is suitable for reception and higher.

 

 

 

 



Book 6: Specky Magee

Specky Magee and the Great Footy Contest

Written by Felice Arena and Garry Lyon

It is a fantastic novel that is filled with camaraderie, teamwork, secrets, revelations, plenty of plot twists and 'issues'. Simon Magee or 'Specky' is an aspiring AFL player as well as a regular kid. The novel has many cultural references and glorious language. The themes such as friendship, fair play, and honour are woven into the storyline. The main character is likeable and therefore easy to relate to. For classroom use, the book would be effective in a 5,6, and 7 classroom. There are numerous inferences which can be used for guided reading questions.