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Original poster

book to do in school with very good 12 and 13 year old readers

57 replies

sphil · 02/02/2012 19:12

I am about to start teaching a short English intervention programme for a group of Yr 8 readers who have been classified by the school as Gifted and Talented. The teacher wants me to choose a challenging text, but not one that they will cover again at GCSE. Any ideas? Will also post in Education.
TIA

OP posts:
seary · 03/02/2012 00:20

A handmaids tale is used as a ALevel text by some exam boards. I seem to remember Jane Eyre is a GCSE text byone board.
maybe
The Outsiders by S.E.Hilton - sort, well known plus there is a very good film
I like the idea of a play or short story.
(except sherlock holmes or an inspector calls as they are GCSE texts) roald Dahls tales of the unexpected would be good for short stories. Oscar Wilde if you think maybe a play (lots to analyse) some are used at GCSE/ALevel but I don't think a lot or widespread.
Roll of thunder hear my cry would be good but it is long.
The time machine by HG wells
Dr jekell and mr hyde
Fanrenheit 451
Catch 22
Frankenstein or dracula even

blueemerald · 02/02/2012 22:34

What about reading outside the novel format? Could you look at short stories, poetry or a play? This would be especially helpful if they are good at English Lit and may go on to study it at A/S Level.

Also may be easier to study in the time avaliable.

Original poster
sphil · 02/02/2012 22:21

I think they'll have to read most of it at home - apparently all very motivated. We'll then look at themes, language, narrative voice etc.

OP posts:
EdithWeston · 02/02/2012 22:06

I've posted on the other thread too.

A couple more suggestions: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, or Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder (protagonist is a 14 year old girl).

abbierhodes · 02/02/2012 22:06

Witch Child (similar themes to the crucible so might be good if they do A level later on)
Looking for JJ
Stargirl
Junk
Most books can be challenging depending on what you do with them.

I'd check what they do at GCSE, too, as exam boards vary. Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry is brilliant, and not all school's do it at GCSE.

You will struggle in 6 hours to do anything, tbh. Assuming you're not just reading that whole time? Will they read at home in between also?

iseenodust · 02/02/2012 22:06

Call of the wild - London
Heart of darkness - Conrad

both of those are quite short

seeker · 02/02/2012 22:05

The Book Thief.

JollySergeantJackrum · 02/02/2012 22:05

I agree with startail I wanted to give up on studying English after Lord of the Flies. Apologies that I can't add anything positive.

Original poster
sphil · 02/02/2012 22:04

Forgot to say - I only have 6 hours with them, spread over 6 weeks

OP posts:
startail · 02/02/2012 22:01

I did Brave New World for O level. I hated it, but lots of themes to talk about.

Please don't inflict Lord of the Flies on anyone it is a truly vile book.

Basically I hate serious books, I like thrillers with lots of action and a happy ending. His dark materials is as serious as I get.

EdithWeston · 02/02/2012 21:57

Do both Jane Eyre and The Wide Sargasso Sea.

And some Ursula Le Guin?

PotteringAlong · 02/02/2012 21:54

Once
Now
Then

A trilogy by Morris Gleitzman.

My year 9 tutor group were enthralled by them.

sponkle · 02/02/2012 21:47

Extremely Loud and Incedibly Close by Jonathon Safran Foer

Original poster
sphil · 02/02/2012 21:44

I think I may have to be a bit careful with controversial themes / language.

OP posts:
biological · 02/02/2012 19:35

Northern Lights? age appropriate but with lots of themes to dig into?

ggirl · 02/02/2012 19:34

doesn't The Handmaids Tale have a rape scene in it?

steviesmith · 02/02/2012 19:30

Mayve a classic?
Oliver Twist
Frankenstein
There's a great version of Gulliver's Travels illustrated by Chris Riddell

seeker · 02/02/2012 19:29

The Handmaid's Tale.

ggirl · 02/02/2012 19:28

Before I go to Sleep is a great read

LondonMumsie · 02/02/2012 19:24

I saw The Chocolate War displayed at my local library today - in the section on books that were banned.

ggirl · 02/02/2012 19:23

The L-Shaped Room - that's short

ggirl · 02/02/2012 19:23

Angelas Ashes

ggirl · 02/02/2012 19:22

French Lieutenents woman

tess of the d'urbevilles

Amaretti · 02/02/2012 19:22

My DS (who would be in your group if you were at his school) just enjoyed The Help?

Original poster
sphil · 02/02/2012 19:21

Ooh - don't know A Fine Balance or The Chocolate War - will have a look.
Keep them coming - this is brilliant, thanks.

OP posts:
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