Sage Irresistible Reading Challenge
- Charlie
and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl (1st half of Spring
term 2009)
Amazon.co.uk Review
For the first time in a decade, Willy Wonka, the reclusive and eccentric chocolate maker, is opening his doors to the public - well, five members of the public to be exact. The lucky five who find a Golden Ticket in their Wonka chocolate bars will receive a private tour of the factory, given by Mr Wonka himself. For young Charlie Bucket, this a dream come true. So when he finds a dollar bill in the street, he can't help but buy two Wonka's Whipple-Scrumptious Fudgemallow Delights - even though his impoverished family could certainly use the extra dollar for food. But as Charlie unwraps the second chocolate bar, he sees the glimmer of gold just under the wrapper! The very next day, Charlie, along with his unworthy fellow winners Mike Teavee, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, and Augustus Gloop, steps through the factory gates to discover whether or not the rumours surrounding the Chocolate Factory and its mysterious owner are true. What they find is that the gossip can't compare to the extraordinary truth and, for Charlie, life will never be the same again. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, another unforgettable masterpiece from the legendary Roald Dahl, never fails to delight, thrill and utterly captivate. (Ages 9 to 12)
- Journey
to Jo’burg, Beverly Naidoo (2nd half of Spring term
2009)
Amazon.co.uk Review
" This story is compelling" TES "inspirational tale!" Network "Growing awareness of the sufferings of South Africa's black children brings renewed point to Beverley Naidoo's Journey to Joburg, a story for young readers, the more searing for its gentleness, that makes them ask questions we must learn to answer." Guardian
Guardian
"Growing awareness of the sufferings of South Africa's black children brings renewed point to Beverley Naidoo's Journey to Joburg, a story for young readers, the more searing for its gentleness, that makes them ask questions we must learn to answer."
- Why
The Whales Came, Michael Morpurgo (1st half of Summer term 2009)
Amazon.co.uk - Product Description
This is an exciting adventure and friendship story by a much-loved, award winning author. Gracie and her friend, Daniel have always been warned to stay away from the Birdman and his side of the island. But then, they find a message in the sand and discover the Birdman is not who they thought. They build up a lovely friendship with him, but when the children get stranded on Samson Island they don't know whether to believe the birdman's story that the island is cursed. Set on a remote island against the backdrop of World War I, this story will captivate and delight young readers
About the Author
Michael Morpurgo: The Master Storyteller. Former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo needs no introduction. One of the most successful children's authors in the country, and loved by children, teachers and parents alike. Michael has written more than forty books and won the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Award, the Circle of Gold Award, the Children's Book Award and has been short-listed for the Carnegie Medal four times. His novels have been adapted for film (My Friend Walter, Why the Whales Came) and stage (most recently, Kensuke's Kingdom for the Polka Theatre and Why the Whales Came by for Alibi.)
- A
Thief in the Village, James Berry (2nd half of Summer term 2009)
Amazon.co.uk Product Description
Three moving and atmospheric short stories by James Berry who won the Grand Prix Smarties Prize for his vivid portrayal of children and life in the Caribbean. Customer Review: this book is excellent for covering the term 3 unit 1 aspect of year 5 literacy.Tthe themes explored in the book are very real and the children relate to them with ease. Most especially the theme of jumping to conclusions, which is dealt with superbly. The children enjoyed the book so much I ended up reading the whole story to them.

