TR&W Issue 20

www.teachwire.net | 17 10 Vi Spy: Licence to Chill BY MAZ EVANS, ILLUS. JEZ TUYA, CHICKEN HOUSE About this book Vi’s mum Easter is clearly a spy. She denies it, but when Vi’s long-lost dad (aka the uber-spy Sir Charge) wrecks Easter’s wedding to George, the truth is out. Will anyone stop arguing long enough to let Vi apply for Spy School? Maybe it’s time for an unlikely alliance with her robot-obsessed nearly- stepbrother instead. Parental separation and blended families aren’t the main focus of this fast-paced adventure, but add weight and depth to a light-hearted, action-driven storyline. Thinking and talking • “You’re always here, always under my feet – everywhere I turn... just leave me alone!” Does Vi feel this way about Russell by the end of the book? How do things change? • How does Vi’s parents’ relationship drive this story? What would have happened without Robert causing trouble? • “I heard Vi’s mum dumped [your dad] because she wants to get back with Vi’s real father...” What impact do the bullies have on Russell and Vi? Illustrations by Jez Tuya KEY S TAGE 2 BOOKS FOR SCHOOLS “Parental separation and blended families add depth to a light-hearted, action-driven storyline” Try this… n “Robert was never the right man for your mother – she needs ice to her fire.... someone calm, someone dependable. Someone exactly like George Sprout.” Is Nan right? Research and write character profiles for Easter, Robert and George. Use to make a case for or against Nan’s judgement. n “No, I don’t think he’s a villain, I’m saying that he IS a villain... Yes, I know divorce can make it feel that way...” What do Vi’s mum and dad argue about? Find examples, then play counsellor to help them resolve their differences. Carey Fluker-Hunt is a freelance writer, creative learning consultant, and founder of Cast of Thousands (castofthousands.co.uk ) Illustrations by Sandhya Prabhat 9 Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow BY BENJAMIN DEAN, SIMON AND SCHUSTER do alone? Talk about rules, responsibilities and risk in the context of the Pride trip. • Do people expect Archie to be more adult than he is? Should children be protected from grown-up problems? Try this… n “If I learned anything... it’s that Pride is about family, both the ones you’re given and the ones you make...” Write about your home family, and the friends and community members who are important to you. n “I took us all in, a group of colourful warriors ready to go to war donning make-up and wigs, glitter and sparkles as our weapons and armour. I felt stronger and safer than I had all day....” Design an outfit to express and celebrate your individuality and interests. Write about what you’ve chosen and why. KEY S TAGE 2 year is asking for trouble... A sensitive story that raises some thoughtful questions about identity, personal responsibility, community and change. Thinking and talking • What is changing for Archie, at home and at school? Would it be better if nothing ever changed? • What are you allowed to About this book Archie’s parents have separated, but they’re still arguing. Archie’s coping – just about – until Dad shares some unexpected news. He’s gay. How will Archie get his head around this? Maybe the Pride Parade in London holds the key. Archie’s friends are determined to help, but three lone children in London on one of the busiest days of the